Parties, Protests on Income Tax Deadline Day

As millions of Americans rushed to beat the deadline Wednesday to file their income tax returns, the Tax Foundation released its annual estimate of how long they will have to work this year to cover their 1992 taxes. This Tax Freedom Day is the latest ever--May 5.

Residents of 14 states will have to work as much as 18 days longer to cover their taxes. In California, the date is May 8.

Some people tried to put the best possible face on an unpleasant task. The Springfield, Mass., post office gave a 1950s-style party, featuring Elvis Presley impersonators, for people who came to mail in their 1040 forms.

“We wanted to do something different this year, and we are balloting on the Elvis stamp,” said Mary Ryan, organizer of the Elvis look-alike and costume contests.

At noon, postal clerks changed from their uniforms into bobby sox and jeans, and the first of seven bands, made up mostly of postal workers and their relatives, began playing.

In Macon, Ga., taxpayers could have fun by trying to dunk volunteer IRS agents in a tank of water. Taxpayers each got two throws for $1, with proceeds going to the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia.

Alec Rodriguez of the Macon post office suggested that the $1 fee was tax deductible.

In New York City, a horse named Tax Tip won the Bled Dry Purse, a race at Aqueduct named in honor of the tax deadline. The horse paid $3.40--before taxes--on a $2 bet.

The levity about levies was leavened, however, by tax protests and expressions of resentment.