Save time by filing taxes online

  • Published
  • By Capt. Megan Mallone
  • 82nd Training Wing Judge Advocate
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Want to save time? Consider filing your taxes through the free service available on Military One Source or contacting one of your unit tax advisors.

Defense Department officials encourage military families to once again take advantage of the free electronic tax filing services offered through Military OneSource.

People can access the H&R Block at Home program by going to Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com/and clicking on "Tax Filing Services."

Officials said more than 200,000 servicemembers filed their tax returns through this resource last year.

"We have such a mobile force, and you have folks dispersed all over the world. It's a quick link for the family to link up with the (servicemember)," said Tommy T. Thomas, the deputy undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy. "It's a convenience for you to be able to go on that site and file that tax form."

The program is open to active-duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers, regardless of activation status, as well as spouses, dependent children and family members standing in for a deployed servicemember.

Participants can e-file up to three state resident returns for each federal return, Mr. Thomas said. However, they should ensure they're filing through Military OneSource. People who file through H&R Block directly may be charged for services, he added.

The program is set up for basic returns. People who wish to upgrade to the premium program also may incur charges. For tax assistance, filers can call a Military OneSource tax consultant from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, seven-days-a-week, at (800)730-3802.

"That's a tremendous service," Mr. Thomas said. "We feel it's important to give our military families the absolute best."

The Sheppard Air Force Base Tax Center, located in bldg. 315, is available for those who want to work directly with a tax preparer or need a return prepared that may be beyond the scope of Military OneSource. The Tax Center is open to active-duty military and their dependents, retirees and their dependents, civil service employees and guard and reserve members on Title 10 status.

The Tax Center's hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. have been reserved for students and instructors only. Assistance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Feel free to call ahead to check the number of people currently waiting, as our waiting room space is limited. The Tax Center can be reached at 676-2446 and will be open until April 15.