AUGUSTA – Most taxpayers in Maine should have received their 2003 Maine individual income tax booklets by the end of this week, according to Jerome Gerard, acting executive director of Maine Revenue Services. Distribution of the booklets began last week.

Maine income tax forms also are available now at most local municipal offices, banks, post offices, and libraries.

All forms and instructions can also be viewed and downloaded from the Maine Revenue Services Web site at www.maine.gov/revenue.

The printing process for income tax booklets and returns typically begins in early October of each year, with tax booklets mailed to taxpayers during the first half of January.

However, because Maine’s income tax is based in part on federal adjusted gross income, a number of tax bills that were pending in the United States Congress last fall could have had an impact on state income tax forms and instructions.

Therefore, the printing process was delayed until shortly after Congress adjourned for the Thanksgiving holiday, by which time it had finally become clear to state officials that significant federal changes for the 2003 tax year were unlikely.

Taxpayers with questions about their Maine income tax are encouraged to contact Maine Revenue Services at (207) 626-8475 or visit the Maine Revenue Services Web site.