It’s Tax Time, and IRS Eyes Are Smiling

The time of year to crunch dreaded tax numbers and shove returns into the nearest post office box has arrived. And during frenzied tax time, the IRS tends to be looked upon as anything but friendly.

But government officials in Dana Point will try to befriend tardy taxpayers today with free assistance in filling out “simple” federal and state tax returns, either by appointment or on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We wanted to bring out services to the community,” said IRS spokeswoman Rosalind Kochmanski. “We want to show people that we’re serious about putting customers first.”

Several IRS offices in Southern California have already taken the free assistance offer on the road, with workshops in Long Beach, Escondido and Horton Plaza in San Diego, which drew more than 350 people. Last week at the fairgrounds in Del Mar, more than 400 people sought help with their returns, Kochmanski said.

About a dozen appointments have been scheduled for today’s workshop in Dana Point, where computer stations, tables and chairs will be set up in front of El Torito Grill on Golden Lantern.

“A lot of the people who show up are students, and may not have a great understanding of filing taxes,” Kochmanski said. “Others may just be worried that they’ve filled theirs out wrong and want help checking it over.”

From the computer stations, IRS officials will be able to file federal and state returns electronically for those who are ready. Extension forms will be available for others who just can’t rally to make Monday’s deadline, even with the free help. Because April 15 fell on a Saturday this year, the filing deadline was moved to the next business day.

Several hundred people are expected to drop by the tables throughout the day, but Kochmanski said the IRS is prepared to accommodate even more, especially with Dana Point’s boardwalk by the harbor as a backdrop. The event will go from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We tried to think of a setting that would be unique to Southern California,” she said. “Iowa can’t offer free help with taxes on a boardwalk.”

Information: (949) 389-4781.

Tax Day: Extended Postal Hours

Because, April 15, fell on a Saturday, the deadline for mailing federal tax returns is Monday. Some post offices will stay open late for procrastinators.

Source: U.S. Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service.

For late-night postal drop-offs:

* Anaheim, 5335 E. La Palma Ave., drop-off open until midnight, no window service

* Santa Ana, 2201 N. Grand Ave., window open until 8 p.m., drop-off open until midnight

* Santa ana, 3101 W. Sunflower Ave., window open until 8 p.m., drop-off open until midnight

* Newport Beach, 1133 Camelback St., window open and drop-off open until 7 p.m.

Tax information: Forms via Internet, fax: (800) 829-3676

Filing questions, deadline extensions: (800) 829-1040

Return status: (800) 829-4477

Source: U.S. Postal Service, IRS