Tax time doesn’t have to be taxing

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kristina Newton
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Benjamin Franklin said, "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." And so far, he's been right.

As January rolls along, most people will start focusing on the obligatory task of filing their taxes. But they don't have to do it alone.

Every year the base sets up a tax center where active-duty military, dependents, retirees and Department of Defense ID card holders can get free advice and assistance with filing their taxes. The tax center begins taking appointments Jan. 22 and officially opens Jan. 28 in Bldg. 90210, Room 231.

Also, taxpayers using form 1040EZ can have their taxes filed on a walk-in basis Jan. 22-25.

This year the legal office is running the tax center, and they have a few suggestions to get the ball rolling.

Tech. Sgt. Bobbi Gilbert, tax center NCO-in-charge, said an important part of filing taxes is having essential papers ready before going to an appointment.

Some of the most commonly required documents are social security cards for every person on the return, employer W-2s and childcare expense information including the address and the tax ID or social security number of the provider. The more prepared a taxpayer is, the quicker they can get their refund.

To help customers get their money faster the tax center is equipped to file tax returns electronically and taxpayers can choose to direct deposit their refund.

"You will need to bring bank account information such as a cancelled check if you plan on using the direct deposit option," said Capt. Brandy Cory, tax center officer-in-charge. "But it's really easy, and the wait for direct deposit is only seven to 10 days. That beats paying 30-40 percent in interest for an instant refund."

Additionally, taxpayers with deployed spouses need to make sure they have a special power of attorney prior to filing their returns.

But what if someone is set to deploy soon and doesn't have time to file their taxes before they leave?

No problem, according to the tax center. If a military member deploys during the tax season they automatically get a file extension of up to six months. The length of time depends on when the service member returns.

These are just the basics of what the tax center can do. The center can handle all types of income tax filing and will have trained personnel available to provide assistance and answer questions. Sergeant Gilbert said she hopes everyone takes advantage of this opportunity.

"Don't spend your hard-earned money on something you can get for free," she said.

For additional information, call Sergeant Gilbert or Captain Cory at 884-7821.