Tax Season

The Bolling volunteer tax center is open in Bldg. P-20, Rm. 421 to assist active duty personnel, dependents, retirees and reservists on active duty, with federal and state taxes. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday except Wednesday afternoons and federal holidays. Consultations are by appointment only. Last year volunteers prepared more than 979 tax returns, saving clients an estimated $121,217 in tax preparation fees and recovering more than $1.6 million in refunds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alex Montes)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Tax filing services provided by legal office

Published March 1, 2010
By Senior Airman Nathan Allen
15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- Tax season is just around the bend and in light of the nation's economic recession, any extra money that comes one's way is a welcome sight. That's why the base legal office is ready and willing to help file taxes and file them correctly.

According to Capt. Amy Austin, 15th Airlift Wing chief of legal assistance and preventive law, failing to file taxes or failing to file them correctly can be costly in more ways than one.

"Failing to adequately report your income to the (Internal Revenue Service) could result in severe monetary and criminal penalties," she said.

Captain Austin also explained the knowledge of uncommon tax credits is an added benefit to having assistance from experienced tax experts.

"This year there is a 'Making Work Pay' credit," she said. "If [people] have earned income from work, they may be able to take this credit which cannot be more than $400 for single filers and $800 for married couples filing jointly."

She said there is also a deduction for motor vehicle taxes.

"If they bought a new motor vehicle after Feb. 16, 2009, they may be able to deduct any state, local sales or excise taxes on the purchase. "

The Hickam tax center can service all branches of military members as well as their dependents.

The majority of Airmen need to file a simple 1040EZ return. Tax-filing assistance is provided on a walk-in basis from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Filers should bring any forms that will be used to prepare the tax return (W-2, 1099-INT, student loan interest/school loan repayment statement, child care expense receipts, etc.), Department of Defense issued military I.D., social security card, and a copy of their previous year's tax return.

Airmen looking to file a more difficult return (mortgages, dividends, etc.) should call and set up an appointment. All appointments or walk-in customers must file by April 15, however the deadline can be extended for deployment reasons.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Tax Center at 448-0713. They are located in Hangar 2.

Tax Season