As spring arrives, so does tax time

By SHELLEY VICKERS
Collegian Staff Writer

Many people would not guess that Willie Nelson, Leona Helmsly and many University students have at least one thing in common -- at one time or another, they have forgotten the April deadline to file their federal income tax returns.

With this year's April 17 deadline quickly approaching, the crunch to file on time has begun. However, some students are worry-free -- thanks to Mom and Dad.

"My father does everything for me. All I know is, save my pay stubs and give them to Dad in April," said Sharon Entenberg (sophomore-public relations).

But other students, like Brian Pfarrer, do not take any chances and seek professional help.

"I looked at the forms and would have no clue how to fill them out. So the accountant does it, and I sign it. That's all I know about it," said Pfarrer (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies).

David Padilla and his brother worked together on their income tax returns but found some of the technical aspects too difficult.

"We needed some help with a few things, so my guidance counselor from high school helped," said Padilla (freshman-education).

Although some students search for assistance, others managed to conquer the tax feat themselves.

"I did it by myself this year and last year," said Jessica Ludwikowski (freshman-agriculture), who found the tax forms a little confusing but not impossible.

But few students are brave enough to travel down the federal income tax road alone. The Internal Revenue Service will provide a map for these lost filers -- and at no cost.

Anyone filing their 1994 federal income tax returns can get free assistance from the IRS at various Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the State College area.

"This is our thirteenth year, so we've been at it a long time," said Barbara Seely, local coordinator of VITA, a national program run by the IRS. The IRS and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania train the volunteers who can aid filing local, state and federal taxes.

The VITA centers offer many services, from answering simple questions to helping the customer fill out the forms, Seely said. They also provide the federal income tax forms to those who need them, she said.

For those confused taxpayers who do not want to leave home, another outlet exists.

The IRS provides taxpayers with a toll-free help line at 1-800-TAX-1040. Operators will answer questions about tax law, filing taxes and information about when an individual will receive their tax refund.

"Last tax season, the toll-free number fielded over one million calls -- half between January and April,"said Barbara Zivkovich, public affairs officer of the Department of Treasury at the Pittsburgh District Office.

Walk-in service is also available at the IRS, but unlike the VITA centers, customers cannot get help filling out forms. The workers at the IRS locations will only check returns and answer questions, Zivkovich said.

But even with free help available, many people still do not file their federal income tax returns.

"In most cases, they find they have a balance due that they don't think they can pay," Zivkovich said.

If taxpayers fail to file taxes, they will have to pay a failure-to-file penalty charge -- which is 5 percent per month on the unpaid balance.

"Even if you can't pay, we advise you to file," Zivkovich said.

The IRS will then work with the taxpayer to create a feasible payment plan, she said.

And some students -- such as Kelly Walsh (sophomore-nursing) only care about one thing.

"All I know is that I'm getting money back!" she said.