Students, like other taxpayers in America, will soon have to file their federal income tax forms. Several services in State College can help students understand and complete their tax returns.

Barbara Zivkovich, Internal Revenue Service public affairs officer, said students should look at their returns from last year to make sure their tax status has not changed, before filing this year.

A toll-free number, 1-800-TAX-1040, allows taxpayers to speak directly to an IRS representative, she said.

Tele-Tax, 1-800-829-4477, which consists of 140 pre-recorded messages, is open 24 hours a day and answers many taxpayer questions. This service also offers an information system that allows taxpayers to find out when their refunds will be mailed, said Zivkovich.

Zivkovich said there are also walk-in sites where taxpayers can speak to an IRS contact. The nearest site is at 315 S. Allen St., Suite 316, she said.

Students can obtain free, confidential tax assistance through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program, sponsored by the IRS.

"Anybody that's boggled needs help, and we've got a lot of friendly people to do it," said Barbara Sealy, director of VITA.

Students can visit VITA locations at Schlow Memorial Library, 100 E. Beaver Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at the Wesley Student Center, 256 E. College Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays. A VITA representative is also available in 222 Boucke.

Maggie Foster, an eighth year volunteer with VITA, said she thinks everyone should know about the tax process whether they need help or not.

"With some understanding of the process, taxpayers will know what papers to save throughout the year and what forms to get," said Foster.

She said many students come in because they do not understand the forms, and others want to find a way to pay less than they owe.

But some students prefer to work on their tax returns themselves.

Lori Houtz (senior-elementary education) learned how to do her taxes in high school and has been filling out the forms herself ever since.

"I think it's better if I do it myself. My parents' accountant did it once and he didn't get the money I needed," said Houtz.

Other students aren't so fortunate.

"I would like to do my own taxes, but it's so confusing," said Jerome Flores (junior-mathematics).