• What if neither my dependent nor myself have a social security number?
• Social security numbers are required for all taxpayers and dependents. Taxpayers who do not have a social security number must apply for one by using Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. This form is available from the Social Security Administration and U.S. Citizens must show proof of age, identity, and citizenship when they apply for a social security number. Individuals who are age 18 or older must apply at the Social Security Administration office in person rather than by mail.

• What if I need an IRS form or publication?
• Most IRS offices and many post offices and libraries have IRS forms that taxpayer may take or photocopy. They also have the instruction booklets for specific forms and publications. Forms can also be ordered by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 (1-800-TAX FORM) or from a fax machine dial (703) 487-4160.
• IRS offers tax products and information on the Internet. The IRS Internet site provides instant access to federal income tax forms, instructions, publications, and information on free tax assistance programs, electronic tax filing, and more 24 hours a day. Current and prior year federal tax products and information are available for downloading.
  
  By Internet: World Wide Web www.irs.gov

• What if I move?
• Taxpayers should use Form 8822, Change of Address, to notify the IRS of any change of address. If the taxpayers plan to move after sending the return and before a refund is received, they should notify their old post office and the IRS of their new address.

• What address should I use, my street address or my post office box?
• If the post office delivers mail to the post office box rather than to a street address, enter the P.O. box number on the line for the present home address.

• What if I need a copy of a prior-year return?
• To obtain a copy of a prior-year return, taxpayers should complete Form 4506, Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form, and mail it, with the required fee, to the Internal Revenue service center where the return was filed. As an alternative, a transcript of a prior-year return may be obtained, also using Form 4506. There is no charge for the transcript. A transcript shows most line items from the original return, including accompanying forms and schedules.

• How long should I keep my tax returns?
• Taxpayers should keep a copy of the tax return, worksheet used, and records off all items appearing on it (such as 1099 forms) until the statue of limitations runs out for that return. Usually, this is 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. You should keep forms W-2 until the Social Security Administration has recorded the earnings reflected on the forms.

• When should I file my 2002 return?
• Your tax return is due April 15, 2003 if no extension is requested.

• How do I receive an extension of time to file?
• Automatic extension-If you cannot file your 2002 return by the due date, you may be able to get an automatic 4-month extension of time to file. You can get the automatic extension by using the IRS e-file or filing a paper Form 4868.
• Extension beyond 4 months-If you get the 4-month extension and you later find that you are not able to file within the 4-month extension period, you may be able to get 2 more month to file, for a total of 6 months. You can apply for an extension beyond the 4-month extension either by writing a letter to the IRS or filing Form 2688.

• Where do I mail my return?
• If you are filing a return and are not enclosing a payment, you would mail your return to:
• Internal Revenue Service
  Austin, TX 73301-0002
• If you are filing a return and are enclosing a payment, you would mail your return to:
  Internal Revenue Service
  P.O. Box 660308
  Dallas, TX 75266-0308

• Where is the closest IRS office to me?
• The IRS office is located at 600 South Maestri Place, first floor. The office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4: 30pm.

• Where is the closest State office to me?
• The State of Louisiana offices are located at 1555 Poydras, Suite 900. Their office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm.

• Helpful phone numbers for tax assistance:
• IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals: 800-829-1040
• Refund Hotline: 800-829-4933
• Forms and Publications: 800-829-3676
• National TaxpayerÕs AdvocateÕs Help-line: 877-777-4778
• Tele-Tax System: 888-796-1074