Taxes: Call center hours extended

To assist taxpayers during peak income tax season, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is extending the hours of its income tax call center through April 15.

For the remainder of the filing season, the call center (518-457-5181) will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

The call center is normally open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Representatives handled more than 1 million calls during last year's tax season.

"Now you can call us before work, after work, or at your convenience," Acting Commissioner Kenneth Adams said. "Don't wait until the last minute, and bear in mind that the first day of the week is typically the busiest day for call centers."

One of the most common questions call center representatives answer is: "When will I receive my refund?" Taxpayers can save time by checking their refund status on the Tax Department website.