Warren tax center offers free service

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shawn Pistner
  • 90th Missile Wing Judge Advocate
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Those who have trouble deciphering the difference between a W-2 and a 1040 or a deduction from a credit, are not alone. Even if these are familiar terms, there are hundreds of changes to the tax laws each year. Even the most seasoned tax professionals receive a yearly update in order to adequately prepare a tax return. Not knowing current tax laws when preparing a tax return could result in a lower refund amount. Or worse yet, it may result in an assessment by the Internal Revenue Service of interest, penalties, and fees in the event the tax return is prepared incorrectly.

One new addition to the current tax laws is the "making work pay tax credit." Most people have already benefited from this credit with a larger paycheck as less federal income tax was withheld from their paychecks in 2009; however, it still must be claimed on the tax return. A few other note-worthy changes include expanded education credits, an extension of the first-time homebuyer credit and a more liberal earned income credit.

These changes only scratch the surface when talking about changes to the tax laws.

So how can the average Joe keep pace with the ever-evolving, cluttered, confusion of the internal revenue code when preparing a tax return? Should he purchase computer software? Use an online tax preparation service? Pay hundreds of dollars for professional tax preparation? All are solutions, but they are costly, potentially unreliable, and are completely unnecessary. The safe, reliable and cost effective choice is to use the Warren tax center.

The base tax center is open to all active-duty, Reservist, National Guardsmen, military retirees, all dependents and DoD civilian personnel. The tax center is a no-cost service provided by volunteer preparers. It offers full spectrum tax preparation of federal and state tax returns, including e-filing services for most returns. A few limitations and restrictions apply to individuals who have farm income, day trade securities, or own a business with expenses exceeding $5,000.

The tax center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are no preparation services from noon to 1 p.m. The office is located in Bldg. 232, Ste. 101. Parking is available off 10th Calvary Rd.

Appointments are required. Walk-ins will be accepted for those filing a 1040EZ (single or married without dependents and only income from wages or bank account interest), but please note that scheduled appointments will have priority over any walk-ins. The tax center will remain open through April 16.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 773-5TAX (829).