Question: I went to the IRS office in the federal building at the end of January to pick up some tax forms. But I was told the forms were not yet available and was given a number to call. I called the number, then received a notice that the form I had requested was not yet available. I went back to the office and here it is, the middle of February, and they still do not have the 1040 forms. The 1040A and 1040EZ forms are available, but not the main 1040 forms that people need to claim deductions. Why is this taking so long? Will they notify people when they come in?
Answer: Some forms that had been delayed are now available, while the rest are expected to be out the first week of March, said David Tucker, Internal Revenue Service spokesman for Hawaii, Alaska and Washington. The forms that are available can be found on the IRS website at irs.gov.
Because it took so long for Congress to agree on a new tax bill — the American Taxpayers Relief Act of 2012 (aka the "fiscal cliff" legislation) was passed just last month — the IRS had to come up with new tax forms and develop new computer software programs to handle the changes.
"With legislation that occurred in early January, we needed to update the forms and also make sure our processes were ready to accept those forms and working efficiently," Tucker said.
That’s led to the delays in getting some forms out.
The IRS is encouraging people to go online to access forms and to file electronically for free.
For more information, see http://is.gd/ZnChyR.
Question: Is there a law about washing or polishing your car at Ala Moana, in the Magic Island parking lot? My uncle was issued a ticket by a police officer for polishing his car in the parking lot during the daytime. The fine was $35. The officer could not state the number of the law for which my uncle was cited. He just told him it was illegal to wash or polish your car or even wipe your car down while you’re parked at Ala Moana Park.
Answer: Your uncle was cited under Section 10-1.2 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, which covers city park rules and regulations.
That section says that within the limits of any public park, it is unlawful to do a long list of things, including to "wash, polish or repair cars or other vehicles."
You can find the Revised Ordinances on the city’s website: www1.honolulu. gov/council/ocs/roh/.
MAHALO
To Fran Fong, a resident and artist from Kailua. I left your beautiful state after a glorious three-week vacation on Oahu and wanted to share how Fran came to my rescue. My rental car was hit while I was shopping in a clothing store near Ala Moana. Fran witnessed the accident and took the car specs and license plate number down as the driver sped away. She then searched me out in the shopping center, provided a complete description of the accident and offered to be a witness. The police went to her home where she provided not only an official statement, but also a sketch of the driver. It is because of her true diligence, island hospitality and citizenship that my insurance company supported my claim. I am so thankful that someone chose to come forward and do the right thing. In the future I hope to be able to pass her kindness and support to a stranger-in-need as she did for me. — Billie Jean Seekins / Carmichael, Calif.
MAHALO
To the person who found our forgotten bag in the parking lot at Ko Olina and turned it in to security. Having been told not to leave valuables in our car because of vandals, we had little hope we’d ever see our bag again. But there are still honest people out there! We really appreciate getting the bag back as my husband’s ID was in it, and going through airport security would not have been easy. — Pat Brandt
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Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
