Tax Center to open Jan. 28; get returns prepared for free

  • Published
  • By Capt. Daria Awusah
  • 82nd Training Wing Judge Advocate
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With tax season soon upon us, the base tax center is scheduled to open on Jan. 28 in building 315.

The Sheppard Law Center has partnered with the IRS to administer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, a limited service tax return preparation program run exclusively by volunteers from the base and the community.

WHAT TO BRING: To have their tax returns prepared, taxpayers should bring these items:
· Photo identification
· Social security cards (or individual taxpayer identification numbers) for taxpayers and dependents
· Birth dates for taxpayers and dependents
· All W-2s, 1098-Ts, 1099s (1099-MISC, 1099-INT, etc.), and Unemployment or Social Security Benefits
· Copy of last year's federal and state returns if available
· Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
· Supporting documentation for common tax credits (e.g. proof of expenses for child and dependent care, student loan interest, charitable donations, mortgage payments, real estate taxes, etc.)

SERVICES PROVIDED: Our IRS-trained tax preparers can prepare and electronically file state and federal returns.

PROGRAM LIMITS:
· Tax preparers DO NOT prepare tax returns for casualty losses, depreciation, Schedules E or F, inventory, non-resident returns (residents of a foreign country), income from royalties, farms and ranch, non K-1 simple trusts, sole proprietorship or other business ventures, and rentals properties.
· Please note that both spouses must be present OR the absent spouse must provide a power of attorney to file taxes electronically on a married filing jointly tax return.
· Tax preparers reserve the right to deem tax returns outside the scope of the VITA program.

LOCATION: The Sheppard Law Center at 317 F Ave (Bldg. 315). Unit tax advisors may file tax returns at alternate locations.

HOURS OF OPERATION: The Tax Center will be open Monday- Friday, 0900-1530, starting on Jan. 28. No appointments are necessary. Clients will be accepted on a WALK-IN basis. The tax center will also open from 1600-1800 on Tuesdays for Airmen in Training (AiTs) and Military Training Leaders (MTLs).

VOLUNTEERS: Interested in volunteering? The legal office, in conjunction with the IRS, will provide free training to interested volunteers from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 14-16, 2014.

For more information, please contact Capt Daria C. Awusah at (940) 676-7188 or by email at daria.awusah.1@us.af.mil.