Tax center to open, prepares free tax returns

  • Published
  • By Capt. Lin Gan
  • 82nd Training Wing Judge Advocate
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Tax season will soon be upon us. The Sheppard Law Center has partnered with the IRS to administer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, a limited service tax return preparation program for military members E-5/O-2 and below, retirees who are over 62 years of age who make less than $65,000 annually, and family members of these individuals. The Sheppard VITA tax center is scheduled to open Feb. 1.

WHAT TO BRING: To have tax returns prepared, taxpayers should bring these items:

  • Military/Retiree/Dependent 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: The 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 315 F Ave. (Bldg. 315). Unit tax advisors may file tax returns at alternate locations.

HOURS OF OPERATION: The Tax Center will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., starting Feb. 1. The tax center will also be open from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays for Airmen in Training, Military Training Leaders and Instructors. Everyone will be accepted on a walk-in basis.