Post ofces try to put fun into late tax filing

Other post offices around the country are also offering ways to cope with the final hours of the tax season, from back rubs for the overstressed in Boise, Idaho, to blues bands in Arlington, Va., for those who just want to whine and moan.

"It's a way we can get together and make it a little less taxing for them," said Beth Barnett, spokesperson for the Memphis, Tenn., post office, where taxpayers can blow off steam by bashing a Buick with a sledgehammer.

Tax forms must be postmarked by midnight tonight, and many post offices expect long lines as procrastinators send an estimated 44 million pieces of mail. Many post offices will stay open late and offer some amenities, such as curbside pickup of tax forms or free coffee.

IRS agents will be on hand at a number of post offices to answer questions, but the line will no doubt be longest in Pleasanton, where IRS volunteers will take a seat in the dunking booth.

There's no dunking booth in Boise, but the post office and local broadcast stations will offer almost everything else. In addition to tax help and free massages, late filers will be serenaded by a quintet from the Boise Philharmonic and can listen to Sen. Larry Craig, an Idaho Republican, talk about tax reform.

"It's turned into a circus," said post office employee Jim Adams. "It's a party atmosphere."

If giving money to the government isn't enough, the post office in Harrisburg, Pa., is probably the place to be. The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank will gladly take a pint of your blood as well.

Those who burst into tears just thinking about the tax deadline will feel at home at the main post office in Glens Falls, N.Y., where crying towels will be distributed.

04-15-98