AUGUSTA – From a new paperless e-filing option to expanded customer service features, the Internal Revenue Service says Maine taxpayers will find easier ways to get help during this year’s tax filing season.

This month marks the beginning of the 2000 filing season. More than 40 million tax packages have started arriving in mailboxes across the nation.

The IRS has streamlined several areas to reduce paperwork and cut red tape, said IRS area director Steve Diaige.

Throughout the 2001 filing season, the IRS will provide telephone help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (800) 829-1040. Several other toll-free services are available day or night, such as automated refund information and TeleTax’s recorded information on common tax topics (800) 829-4477 or requesting copies of forms and publications (800) TAX-FORM or (800) 829-3676.

The IRS also has added features to its Web site at www.irs.gov.

If people prefer to visit an IRS office, walk-in service is available at the following sites in Maine:

Augusta, Muskie Federal Building, 68 Sewall St., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 24-April 11); 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 27-April 7); and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

Bangor, 324 Harlow St., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (closed for lunch, 11 a.m.-noon).

Lewiston, 217 Maine St., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 24-April 11).

Presque Isle, 36 North St., Suite B, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (closed for lunch, 1-2 p.m.).

South Portland, Ames-Bookland Mall Plaza, 220 Maine Mall Road, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 24-April 11); 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 27-April 7); and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday (April 14).