By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LULING — Louisiana residents who have relocated due to Hurricane Katrina may experience difficulty receiving tax packages if they filed a paper return last year.

Office Manager Gwen Kennedy of the H and R Block of LaPlace said people who used professional tax service companies in the past should not experience any problems, but that those who did file on paper last year will receive their tax packages at their last known address.

&#8220Even if you do not receive your package, you can still visit a professional tax service for guidance,” Kennedy said. &#8220Here at H and R Block, we can obtain past tax information, regardless if you have not filed with us or another professional tax service in the past.”

Kennedy said in some cases the paper forms may not be available until mid-March.

Kennedy said it is personal preference on when to choose to file taxes, early or late, but if problems come up with receiving tax packages, just seek professional help.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, those who have previously filed their taxes online may still do so on the IRS Web site, which is &#8220highlighted by a new look, improved online tools and enhanced electronic services that will better assist taxpayers and tax preparers,” said Eric Erickson, with the IRS Media Relations.

Those who have access to the Internet may file their taxes on their own by using the IRS e-file, which will be available by the end of this month.

&#8220Taxpayers can now find even more help 24 hours a day, seven days a week on IRS.gov,” Erickson said. &#8220The IRS improved overall site navigation and enhanced the search engine to increase search result accuracy and usability. Users will find it easier to locate forms and publications, electronic tools and tax information. A new drop-down menu called &#8220I Need To” provides taxpayers with quick access to frequently requested information.”

According to Erickson, Some of the new features on the website include:

€ 1040 Central – A one-stop shop for people in search of what’s new in the taxes.

€ Free File – Free File provides free tax preparation software and free e-filing to individuals who earn approximately $50,000 or less.

€ Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant – The AMT Assistant provides a simple test for taxpayers who fill out their tax returns without using software to determine whether they are eligible for the AMT.

€ EITC Assistant – The EITC Assistant helps determine an individual’s eligibility for the valuable tax credit and provides an estimate on the amount of the credit, which will also help Hurricane Katrina victims determine which optional income to use, and available in English and Spanish.

€ Hurricane Assistance – The IRS has also established a toll-free number for hurricane victims, 1-866-562-5227. There are also tax law changes for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, businesses in disaster areas and for individuals donating to charities helping the victims. These changes are available on IRS.gov.

Tax returns traditionally must be filed by April 15, but because this date falls on the weekend, tax returns must be filed by April 17, according to the IRS.

&#8220Another change will give late-filers six months to get their return in the mail,” Erickson said. &#8220Taxpayers who cannot meet the April deadline should file a form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension. Now, the extension to file will be through Oct. 16 for most taxpayers. Previously, form 4868 automatically gave taxpayers four months.”

Once taxes have been filed, tracking the refund can be done on the website using &#8220Where’s My Refund?” but only with exact information from the tax return.