Legal office offers free tax assistance to all Airmen

  • Published
  • By Courtesy of the 325th Legal Office
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing Legal Office will be providing free tax assistance, including electronic filing, for all Department of Defense military members and their dependents, as well as members of the retirement community.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistants who are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service will be available to prepare and file income tax returns. In addition, they will be able to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat-zone tax benefits and moving expenses, and provide information regarding deductions, child credit and other important financial issues. For complicated issues, however, you may be advised to seek a professional tax preparer for assistance. There will also be a drop box available for those filing 1040EZ forms to drop off their tax forms and have a VITA file the forms electronically.

These services will be available at the Tax Center, located next to the Legal Office in the Base Support Building (Bldg 662), every Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to3 p.m., Jan. 26 through April 15. Assistance will be provided at the Tax Center by appointment only. If you have any questions or would like additional information contact your unit tax advisor.

When coming to the legal office to consult with a VITA, please remember to bring the following documents that the VITAs will need to prepare your taxes. These include:

· Military ID
· Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents
· Birthdates for individuals and dependents listed on the tax return
· Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc.) from each employer. Active duty members may obtain a statement from https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
· Childcare/Daycare expense information, including total paid for daycare provider, and the provider's name, social security number or business Employer Identification Number, and address
· Bank interest and dividend statements (Form 1099)
· Receipts for deductible expenses
· Supporting documentation for all other sources of income and any relevant expenses, exemptions, deductions
· Power of attorney, if applicable
· Voided check for direct deposit of any refund
· A copy of last year's tax returns, if available

Generally, to file taxes electronically on a married filing jointly tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Come take advantage of these free services and let the Tax Center assist you with your taxes. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact Edith Lee at 283-1829 or e-mail edith.lee@tyndall.af.mil.