LEWISTON – A weekend visit to the offices of the Internal Revenue Service isn’t usually part of a “Super Saturday,” but that’s the label IRS put on its special informational hours.

A steady flow of people took advantage of IRS guidance on how to receive payments from the federal government that are part of the Bush administration’s economic stimulus package. The Super Saturday hours were set up to help people who normally are not required to file an income tax return. That included retirees, recipients of Social Security and veteran benefits, and low-income workers.

Several people leaving the Lewiston office shortly before noon Saturday said they were pleased with the process and glad that the IRS was providing assistance. Many of them were senior citizens, but the people who qualify for the stimulus money include other age groups.

“We’re happy to see that the word got out,” said Wayne Gershon, a contact representative at Lewiston’s IRS office. “It wasn’t really known what we should expect since this simply hasn’t been done before in recent memory.”

“A lot of people don’t know what they need to do,” and he quickly added, “When they see what it is, they say, ‘It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be.’ “

The simplicity of the process – basically filing a 1040A Form – also meant that people found there were no long waits.

“On average, we’re seeing people who haven’t had to file returns in a few years,” Gershon said. “If you file a 2007 tax return, you don’t have to do anything else.”

The Lewiston office at 217 Main St. was one of about 320 IRS Super Saturday sites nationwide, including other Maine offices in Bangor, Augusta and South Portland.

Peggy Riley, IRS media relations specialist for New England, said 100,000 letters went out to Maine individuals who may need to file this year in order to get their economic stimulus check.

Starting in May, the IRS will issue stimulus payments of up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples) plus additional payments of $300 for each qualifying child.

“We don’t want any Americans to miss out on their economic stimulus payment,” she said. “For millions of Americans, filing a tax return is not routine. Their income is either too low or not taxable, but this year, filing a 2007 tax return is the only way to receive an economic stimulus payment,” Riley explained.

Riley said there were lines at some New England locations when they opened Saturday morning.

She emphasized that the IRS assistance on Saturday was not a one-shot opportunity. IRS offices will extend hours to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays over the next two weeks.

Gershon also pointed out that filing the return is easier than ever. Forms can be filed online and for free.

“They don’t even have to leave their homes,” he said.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that anyone who isn’t a computer user will get prompt and complete help from an IRS office through a visit or a phone call.

Gershon said people are encouraged to opt for direct deposit of their economic stimulus check.

“It’s quicker and less chance of a lost check,” he said.

Gershon noted that volunteers were providing income tax assistance at other locations Saturday. Those included assistance from Seniors Plus and volunteer tax counseling at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center.

IRS field assistance personnel also will visit nursing homes and similar locations to prepare returns.

Information is available online at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS hotline, (800) 906-9887.