Aid Available as Deadline Approaches
This year’s tax-filing deadline is midnight Monday. If you need last-minute assistance, here are some options.
Federal Tax Help
Forms: On the Web: www.irs .gov (use the box on the left marked “Forms and Publications Finder”). Or by fax: Call (703) 368-9694 from a fax phone. The service will call back and transmit the forms you requested.
Advice: In-person phone help: (800) 829-1040; recorded tax topics: (800) 829-4477.
Last-minute help: Filing assistance will be available at most area IRS offices Monday and some will be open extended hours. For office locations, check under U.S. government offices in your local phone directory.
IRS officials also will be available from 6 p.m. to midnight Monday at the following post offices to hand out forms and answer questions:
* LAX Station, 9029 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles.
* Union Station Terminal Annex, Alameda Station, 760 N. Main St., Los Angeles.
* Pasadena Main Station, 600 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena.
* Van Nuys Station, 15701 Sherman Way, Van Nuys.
More time: If you need more time to complete your return, file IRS Form 4868, which gives you an automatic extension until Aug. 15. You must estimate the amount you owe, and send the balance due.
Extension requests also can be handled by phone at a special IRS number: (888) 796-1074. Be sure to have a Form 4868 and your 2000 tax return handy.
State Tax Help
* Live help will be available from the Franchise Tax Board from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday by calling (800) 852-5711.
* A 24-hour automated line provides answers to frequently asked questions at (800) 338-0505.
* Information, tax forms, e-filing assistance and other help is available at the FTB’s Web site: www.ftb.ca.gov.
* FTB field offices in the L.A. area will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
Down to the Wire
Post offices open late: Tax returns can be mailed until midnight Monday and still make the filing deadline. There will be 32 Southern California post offices open until midnight. For the nearest site, call (800) ASK-USPS.
Sources: Franchise Tax Board, Internal Revenue Service