By Shelley Smith

Salisbury Post

LANDIS — Midgie Dial always files her tax return early, and her 1040 income tax form always comes in the mail in the first week in January.

Not this year. As of Thursday, Dial still hadn't received her form, and other friends in Landis also have not received theirs, she said.

She also couldn't seem to penetrate the Internal Revenue Service's automated phone system.

Mark Hanson, an IRS public information officer in Greensboro, said he's not aware of any delay in mailing the 1040 tax forms.

He did say, however, that if you or your tax preparer electronically filed — or "e-filed" — your tax return last year, then you will not receive any forms in the mail.

Branches of Rowan Public Library carry the 1040 forms for anyone, but an employee of the downtown Salisbury branch said that branch has frequently run out and had to order more forms.

So call before going to a particular branch to make sure it has the 1040 forms.

You may also call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to order any form you may have missed in the mail.

Should you have any other questions, the IRS help hotline number is 1-800-829-1040.