Procrastinators who need to file their tax returns today need to go no further than their computer desks to send their taxes by the midnight deadline.

Although tax-filing resources are limited at Penn State, officials say that electronic filing can be the most convenient method for Penn State students.

Bill Cressman, Pennsylvania Internal Revenue Service (IRS) spokesman, said his last-minute advice for tax procrastinators is to file electronically because it is more accurate, convenient and free.

"People who do paper returns are putting themselves in a group where mistakes are common," Cressman said.

Cressman said he would suggest the IRS Web site to students because there are companies that provide free filing through the IRS without any restriction to age or income.

Most students do not have complicated tax returns, so filing electronically is the best idea, said Chris Weigl, Penn State Accounting Society vice president for events.

"The IRS Web site and others point you in the right direction as you go through the process," Weigl said.

Tom Kirsch, franchise owner at H&R Block, 2071 S. Atherton St., said students could still come into the H&R Block office by walk-in or appointment for help with tax preparation.

"If the tax return is not complicated, anyone can go to the H&R Block Web site to file, which is easier and more convenient," Kirsch said.

Anna Griswold, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and student aid, said Penn State does not have an on-campus tax preparation resource, but said it would be convenient if the university offered such services.

"It would be nice to provide for people who financially can't get help," Griswold said.

Weigl said he thinks tax help for students on campus could be beneficial, but added that student tax returns are often simple.

"We haven't had any kind of request from students who want tax workshops on campus," Weigl said.

There is free tax help for international students in the Office of International Programs, said staff assistant Jean Rodkey.

"[Taxes for international students] are more complicated than tax returns for domestic students because some countries have tax treaties and some don't," Rodkey said.

If any student feels he or she cannot accurately complete the tax return by tonight's deadline, or if help is unavailable today, an extension should be considered, Cressman said.

Cressman said the 4868 Extension Form is easy to fill out and can be accessed on the IRS Web site, Cressman said.

Kirsch said students should note that even if they file an extension, money owed must still be paid on time or there will be penalty fees.

"If anyone wants to come in for an estimation of what they owe, we can help with that and the extension," Kirsch said.

Weigl said the first time someone does taxes by themselves can be overwhelming.

"But most college students, if they just sit down and spend time looking through it, will be able to file on their own," Weigl said.