People line up to mail their tax returns Thursday at a mobile post office outside Mandalay Bay.
Thursday, April 15, 2010 | 11:03 p.m.
Mailing taxes at the last minute is a tradition for some people. Others said they would never do it again after seeing the crowds of people at post offices around the Las Vegas Valley on Thursday.
The James C. Brown Jr. Post Office, 1001 E. Sunset Road, extended its hours Thursday night to give taxpayers a chance to receive a postmark of April 15 — the tax-filing deadline.
The office’s express drop-off lane and retail window were scheduled to be open until midnight.
Elizabeth Pinto, 55, mailed her taxes at the Sunset office Thursday and said every year she tries to send them off before the last day. But after experiencing the traffic jam at the post office, Pinto said, she will be sure to mail them ahead of time next year.
“I always say next year, but no more,” Pinto said. “Next year, I’m going to send it off earlier.”
Cars lined up near the entrance of the Sunset office, slowly edging forward as other drivers left the parking lot. Metro Police officers directed traffic and postal service workers pointed drivers to parking spots. Protesters also stood on the sidewalk with signs.
Randy Voyard, 40, held a sign that said, “Print your own tax dollars.” He said he wanted to remind people the government is taking their hard-earned money in taxes.
Doug Wilks, 49, was waiting in traffic to mail his tax return. He said he always procrastinates and, a few years ago, ended up mailing his return with just a minute to spare.
Procrastination on tax day gives him a “thrill and rush,” he said.
At a mobile post office set up at Mandalay Bay, those who mailed their tax returns from noon to 8 p.m. received a free ticket to the Shark Reef exhibit.
J. Jindra, 55, said he has been mailing his taxes at Mandalay Bay for eight years so he can visit the Shark Reef for free. He said he it’s also less crowded.
Marilyn Fenimore, media coordinator for the United States Postal Service, said the mobile post office helps clear traffic in front of the Sunset office. She said the Mandalay Bay location serves 2,000 to 3,000 filers each year.
Ginger Kelley, 46, said it’s “a great deal, and if anything is free, then get out and have fun.”
Collection boxes were also set up outside other post offices throughout the valley.
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