User-friendly resource for student tax-filing

In order to address potential problems faced by students between the ages of 16 and 19 who are filing their tax returns for the first time, the Oregon Department of Revenue has decided to continue with its interactive Web site, www.steps2cash.org, for a second year. This site, apart from handling questions frequently posed by students who are filing, also offers information involving the general nature of taxation in Oregon.

Deni Cooperrider, public information officer for the Oregon Department of Revenue, said the site was developed mainly to assist first time filers.

“It is very simple to follow and very informative,” she said. Lucid explanations are key features of this site, she mentioned.

The site provides information on W-2, W-4 and 1099-INT forms, as well as the procedure to complete the self-calculating Form 40S (short form), which allows candidates to get their refund.

However, to be eligible, potential candidates must meet certain criteria. The candidate criteria can be found on the Web site. Other candidates may have to go through the normal routine method of manual or electronic filing.

Last year, the site received thousands of hits and many positive comments from parents, teachers and students. Cooperrider said that more improvements were on the way as soon as the department receives additional funding.

Local tax-filing company Davenport Tax Services said it faced no threat by this government initiative, as it has a fixed and established clientele.