Edwards Tax Center opens to provide free tax services to base personnel Published Jan. 26, 2010 By Airman 1st Class William A. O'Brien 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- After saving more than 500 Airmen an excess of $94 thousand in filing fees and garnering them more than $1 million in returns for the 2008 tax season, the Edwards Tax Center reopens for the 2009 tax season. The tax center, located at 1100 Kincheloe Avenue (next door to the Children's library), has been providing Edwards personnel with free tax filing and counseling services for the past six years. It officially opens Feb. 1. "The tax center is a great, free service that the military offers," said Capt. Jennifer Jameson, Edwards Tax Center officer in charge. "We're thankful to have the program, and our tax center facility is one of the nicest in the Air Force." "The tax center is open to all Active Duty military members and their dependents with ID cards," said Gina Ackison, the Edwards Tax Center coordinator. "It's also open to Reservists who are on active duty orders, retirees and their eligible dependents." The tax center operates with the help of volunteers who prepare the returns. Each of the 15 volunteers participated in a week-long course, administered by the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. "(Each volunteer) goes through a week-long certification class, put on by the IRS," said Captain Jameson. "It covers everything from tax law, tax law changes, how to prepare returns and how to navigate the tax program we use. Then, there's an optional week-long class put on by the California Franchise Tax Board which is very similar to the IRS course, but covers state law issues." Because the tax center volunteers are primarily trained in basic tax preparation and tax law, there are several cases situations where Edwards personnel may want to consider using an outside agency. These include tax filings that involve: · Profit or loss from a business · A large stock portfolio (capital gains and losses) · Multiple rental properties or real estate investments · A pending request for a social security number · Employee business expenses · Moving "We're here for basic tax returns," said Captain Jameson. "For example, if a client has a rental property or if he or she owns stock, we are well-prepared to handle the return. However, if the client has a very complicated return, then in the person's best interest, he or she should probably hire a paid professional to do their taxes." When going to the tax center, filers must bring the following: · Last year's tax return · Completed page 1 and 2 only of form 13614-C (will be emailed to you prior to your appointment) · Military ID and social security cards for anyone you are claiming · W-2, 1098, 1099 and anything else you are claiming · Blank check with routing and account number for refund direct deposit · Itemized totals with receipts (if applicable) · Employer identification number for child care center or social security number for individual provider (if applicable) · Power of attorney and copy of Military ID for non-present person (POA must state permission to file taxes) · Tax center personnel are also able to file back taxes for 2008 along with this year's taxes, for those who didn't file last year. In order to receive assistance, it is important that Team Edwards Airmen make an appointment with the Tax Center. The tax center is scheduled to operate by appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursdays. During these times, personnel can file using either the 1040 or 1040EZ form. Fridays, the tax center is open for walk-ins filing 1040EZ only from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Captain Jameson said that for the first time, this year the Edwards Tax Center will offer after hour appointments. Those appointments are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, with volunteers taking appointments at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. "We haven't done this before, but we will be open certain evening hours," said Captain Jameson. "Obviously, this is a volunteer-driven program, so we'll do the best we can to accommodate our clients, but our main hours will be during the day." For more information or to make an appointment, call the tax center at 275-3829.