Students solutions to tax day differ

In Mom and Dad we trust.

As tax day quickly approaches, many students aren't feeling pressured to get their taxes in on time. Instead, they are looking to their parents to get the paperwork in before the April 15 deadline.

"I've never had to learn to do it," he said.

This scenario is common for many University students, especially because many receive their forms at their home addresses.

Sometimes the family accountant does the work for taxpaying students instead.

Brian Sirhal (sophomore-hotel and restaurant management) said he leaves the work to his parents' accountant. Most students probably have their parents do their taxes, Sirhal added, because they are already doing their own.

Some students, however, will be faced with the ominous task of doing their own taxes this year. For those students, Sirhal suggested finding a friend who is an accounting major.

However, for students who don't have accountant friends, the process doesn't have to be a nightmare.

Getting the necessary forms may be the first hurdle that taxpayers face. The Internal Revenue Service's 1997 1040 instruction booklet suggests where taxpayers can find help and forms. The booklet can be found at many libraries, post offices and IRS offices, according to the booklet.

In State College, taxpayers can get the booklet and other necessary forms at the State College branch of the U.S. Postal Service, 237 S. Fraser St., or at Schlow Memorial Library, 100 E. Beaver Ave. During tax season the IRS office at 315 S. Allen St., Suite 316, can help with both forms and questions, according to the State College Borough Citizen's Answer Line.

Knowing what to do with the forms can be just as taxing as finding them.

The IRS does offer many different support systems for those perplexed by the myriad forms and items, according to a news release from the organization.

Those who have World Wide Web access may find all the help they need at www.irs.ustreas.gov. This Web site offers advice on places to turn for assistance, how to file taxes, and how to download forms and helpful publications. The site also posts any changes to the year's forms and allows visitors to pose questions through E-mail.

Those seeking help from an actual person can call the IRS's toll-free helpline at (800) 829-1040. The helpline is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, according to an IRS news release.