Misawa Tax Center

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Michael Oyakawa (front) and Staff Sgt. Alex Grupp (back), both members of the 35th Maintenance Group and volunteers at the base tax center, use Tax Wise, an online program to file taxes for Misawa residents Feb. 29, 2008. The tax center will remain until June 16 and files taxes for servicemembers at no cost. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Misawa Tax Center

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Alex Grupp (front) and Staff Sgt. Michael Oyakawa (back), both members of the 35th Maintenance Group and volunteers at the base tax center, use file taxes online for Misawa residents Feb. 29, 2008. The tax center is staffed by volunteers and files taxes for servicemembers at no cost. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Volunteers file taxes for Misawa residents

Published March 28, 2008
By Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Misawa tax center is open. Service members are encouraged to use the free service and take advantage of the well trained volunteers.

"One reason to use the tax center is the possibility that they might miss credits that they are eligible for," said Susan Lunt, tax center coordinator. "There is also less chance of mistakes since our volunteers have received 40 hours of training."

There are approximately 40 volunteers are working at the tax center this year. The volunteers attended a week-long training class provided by the IRS and a one day Tax Wise class (Tax Wise is the system used to file).

Airman 1st Class Isaac Choi, 35th Communications Squadron, volunteered at the tax center for the first time this year for the challenge. According to Airman Choi, "some of the objectives were how to interview, child qualifying tests, taxable income, none taxable income, etc."

Volunteers such as Airman Choi have really been an asset to the tax center. One day, the computers went down at the center, but they continued to process taxes thanks to Airman Choi's dedication.

"I asked Mrs. Angie if it was okay for me to take it home and do it on the computer and she didn't hesitate to say yes. So I did and when I had a question, I called the tax center for help," said Airman Choi.

The tax center has filed more than 700 taxes so far this year. A new feature offered this year is electronically filed state taxes.

Although the regular tax filing deadline is April 15, service members serving overseas receive a two month extension for filing. The tax center will remain open until June 16.

Hours of operation:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (by appointment only) 0830 - 1400
Tuesday (by appointment only) 1030-1700
Friday (walk-ins for 1040 EZs and As only) 0830-1400

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call the tax center at 226-3948 or 226-2513.