Tax center opens

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Misawa tax center officially opened its doors Jan. 26 for the 2008 tax season.

The center, located in Building 514, is staffed by volunteers who received their training through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

"The training was conducted by experienced tax center representatives Susan Lunt and Angie Barber during a four-day workshop," said 1st Lt. Jacob Ramer, 35th Fighter Wing assistant staff judge advocate. "They trained the volunteers in many aspects of tax law, including issues specific to military members. We rely on our volunteers, active duty and spouses, to provide this service to the community."

Those eligible to use the tax center are active duty, reserve component or retired military personnel and their family members, along with Department of Defense civilians, their family members and contractors.

All eligible users of the tax center can have their federal and state tax returns prepared and electronically filed free of charge. The tax center recommends having your documents in order for a smooth and quick process.

"Customers should have their W-2s, 1099s, last year's state and federal income tax returns and social security cards for both taxpayer and dependents," said Lieutenant Ramer. "If child care fees were paid in 2008, bring in the provider's name, address, and identifying tax number, which is either the social security number or employer identification number."

In addition to these documents, it's also important for customers to know what their stimulus payment was in 2008.

"Those who did not receive the full stimulus payment last year may be eligible for the recovery rebate credit," said Lieutenant Ramer. "To find out what your stimulus payment was access the Web site www.irs.gov and enter a search for 'stimulus payment'."

Although the tax center helps with personal taxes, they can also assist those individuals with small businesses like child care providers prepare Schedule Cs for business owners. And they not only help servicemembers save money, but also offer an opportunity for servicemembers and their families to learn about special tax laws that apply to military members.

"Servicemembers overseas automatically get an additional two-month extension until June 15 for filing taxes and paying taxes," said Lieutenant Ramer. "However, you will be charged interest from April 15 if you owe any taxes. In addition, deployed servicemembers serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area are eligible for an extension of 180 days plus the amount of days the deployed member had left in which to file a return. There are no penalties or interest imposed for failure to file a return or pay taxes during such an extension."

The combat zone extension applies automatically. However, the lieutenant recommends that the deployed member or spouse notify the IRS of the member's deployment to a combat zone, by sending an e-mail to combatzone@irs.gov, and provide the IRS with the member's name, stateside address, date of birth and date of deployment. Do not provide a social security number.

"If you receive anything from the IRS, contact the tax center or the legal office," said Lieutenant Ramer. "Also, members who want their spouses to file while they are deployed should get a special power of attorney or they can file before deploying, but this may mean missing out on opportunities to reduce taxable income."

The tax center is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 10:30 to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. Walk-ins are available on Friday from 8:30 to 2 p.m. for preparing 1040Z/A's only. The center will remain open until June 15. For further questions or to make an appointment, contact the tax center at 226-3948.