Have a continuing tax problem? IRS has a day for you

Friday, March 12, 1999 | 10:29 a.m.

Local taxpayers will have the opportunity Thursday to meet with Internal Revenue Service officials at the main IRS Office, 4750 W. Oakey Blvd., to resolve ongoing tax problems.

From noon to 8 p.m. taxpayers will receive one-on-one assistance for problems such as missing refund checks, payments to the wrong account and other tax-related issues.

"Sometimes the system doesn't work -- for whatever reason," Bill Brunson, spokesman for the Southwest District of the IRS, said. "We're trying to provide better customer service."

The IRS suggests taxpayers schedule appointments by calling 455-1287 so that prior to the meeting personnel may research account information.

"Sometimes people feel they have a problem, but sometimes we can resolve the problem before they come into the office," Brunson said.

Thursday's Problem Solving Day is only for those who have specific issues with past income tax returns.

Those who have questions or need assistance with their 1998 income tax filing may contact the office another day or call the general tax number at (800) 829-1040.

Those with unresolved tax issues who cannot come into the office may call (877) 777-4778, a 24-hour hot line available to taxpayers needing to resolve problems.

The idea for Problem Solving Day came out of the 1997 congressional hearings, Brunson said. A Problem Solving Day held at the Las Vegas office in February 1998 served 183 people. In October a similar event served 350 people.