2010 tax season is over (well, for most anyway)

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Fowler
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  As the 2010 tax season officially comes to a close this month, tax payers and tax preparers (as well as pencils, reams of paper, calculators and accountants) heave a sigh of relief that it is over for another year.

Here at the Hurlburt Tax Center, that relief comes with the knowledge that the 40 volunteer preparers worked hard to make sure every taxpayer received every possible dime back from Uncle Sam.

"This was a busy year - even busier than last year," said Wayne Smith, Hurlburt Tax Center manager. "We've had people coming in filing taxes since we hit the ground 13 weeks ago. And some of them had - we'll say unique - jobs and odd places of employment for their W-2s. There was never a dull moment in this year's tax center!"

The tax center processed more than 3,000 returns, amounting to about $5 million in refunds in just four and a half months - not a bad haul when you consider these volunteers handled both federal and state income taxes for active-duty military members, civilians, retirees and dependents. The Tax Center also saved filers more than $460,000 in preparation fees, which for some could have taken a hefty chunk of any refunds they would have received.

Questions during this time ranged from being in three different states (and paying three states' taxes) in a year; having a "home-home here and a rental home in Idaho" in two different states; and then "the basics" covering W-2s, 1040EZ versus 1040A, deployed pay and more.

"I've been volunteering at tax centers here and in Germany for four years, and every year is different because tax law always changes," said Tech. Sgt. Shanna Ivory, a 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron aerial delivery technician and Hurlburt Tax Center volunteer. "The hardest part of doing this is telling people they owe money, especially when they think they will be getting money back. There is always shock and a little panic, but we help them get prepared to set up a payment plan through the IRS."

But for every bad surprise payment, there are the pleasant surprises and happy shocks that come from getting a return when you think you owe, Sergeant Ivory said. "That's one of the best things about this job. But I am glad it's over; every year I'm glad when we're finally done."

And just because the 2010 season is over doesn't mean a break for the tax professionals - 2011 is already looking to be a challenging year for taxes.

"Tax laws are definitely going to be changing for 2011; Congress has already made changes and the 2010 season wasn't even done yet," Mr. Smith said. "We're going to need as much help, if not more, for next year's Tax Center. So if you're ready to learn some tax laws, we'd love to have you join our team for 2012!"

For those who still need to file taxes for 2010, and if you weren't able to make it into the tax center due to deployments or other issues to file taxes, Mr. Smith has a solution ready for you.

"If you're returning from deployment and have to file tax returns, all you have to do is contact the Legal Office and they will contact me," Mr. Smith said. "We'll get you set up with an appointment and get those taxes taken care of."

To make an appointment to get your taxes done after a deployment or extended TDY, call 884-7821.