In an effort to accommodate last minute taxpayers, the United States Postal Service will provide expanded service in the Long Island District. Stamp sales and postmarking services will be available until midnight, Monday, April 15 at selected post offices including the Hicksville Post Office on West John Street.

Postmaster Edward Roggenkamp said that each year, the line at the Hicksville Post Office stretches out the doors and into the parking lot. "The volume of people is heavy pretty much throughout the day, but gets really heavy at around 4 p.m. and runs through to midnight," said Roggenkamp. "The earlier in the day they get here, the better."

Customers can now also purchase Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation services. They will receive a receipt of mailing for their records and will be able to confirm electronically via the web at www.usps.com that their package was delivered. Those who do not access to the Internet can confirm delivery by calling 1-800-222-1811.

In Hicksville, employees from the post office will be on hand to sell stamps, weigh envelopes and postmarking envelopes. Representatives from the state and federal offices of the Internal Revenue Service on hand helping people fill out forms and answering questions. Music and refreshments will also be provided to those waiting. "Many local offices will not have extended hours," he said. "We are always open 24 hours and will be there for them.

To ensure that the process moves quickly and efficiently once at the post office, Roggenkamp suggests that all taxpayers have their envelops ready, forms signed and photocopies made. He said that all photocopies must be made ahead of time since the post office will not be providing access to photocopy machines. He added that the best way to assure that taxes are filed on time is to "come prepared and come before the 15th."

The Hicksville Post Office is located at 185 West John Street, approximately a half-mile west of Newbridge Road. In addition to Hicksville, expanded service for last minute taxpayers will be available at the Roosevelt Field Postal Store, Roosevelt Field Mall, lower level until 9:30 p.m. and at the Western Nassau Mail Processing Facility, 830 Stewart Avenue in Garden City until midnight.

When sending out tax returns, the Postal Service suggests the following tax mailing tips:

* Make sure the proper postage is used, especially if there are extra forms or schedules. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not accept returns without postage or with insufficient postage. The IRS returns all insufficient postage to the sender, who is then charged with late-payment penalties. It costs 34 cents for the first ounce and 23 cents for each additional ounce. One ounce is about four pages.

* If non-IRS labeled envelopes are used, make sure the proper IRS address is used. Also, put a return address in the upper left-hand corner.

* Mail early in the day if possible to avoid a trip to late collection locations, traffic and the last-minute rush.

* Don't use an office postage meter. The IRS doesn't accept private postmarks as proof of timely filing.