Open season: Station tax center open for business
Story by Lance Cpl. Josue Aguirre, Desert Warrior Staff

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance center will be providing free income tax preparation as well as electronic filing services again this year.

The Corpswide program, run by Marine and civilian volunteers, prepared and filed more than 87,000 federal and state returns last year and saved Marines and their families more than $8.1 million in fees based on the national average cost.

The tax office here, which filed approximately 3,000 tax returns last year, is already open and is expecting more Marines this year, said Jamie Williamson, the station tax coordinator. The tax office will begin filing 2008 taxes in mid-January, but previous year's taxes can be filed now.

The tax office is being redesigned to accommodate additional Marines by adding more volunteers for faster service and less wait, said Williamson.

This year, Marines who did not receive the correct amount for the stimulus payment on their 2007 tax return will be able to fix that, said Williamson.

Any other changes for this year's taxes will become known this month, because that is when the tax law changes, said Williamson.

Marines who will be deploying during tax season will receive priority service, otherwise they need to leave a power of attorney with somebody while they are gone, said Williamson.

"The tax center is here to serve active duty as well as retired military. We are here to make sure that Marines get their refund as soon as possible," said Williamson. "And that their returns are prepared correctly."

Marines filing will need proof of identity, Social Security cards for all individuals listed on the return and copies of all W-2/1098/1099 forms for themselves and spouses.

For those filing with additional income, the amount is needed. Also required are the total and dates of any tax payments made.

Marines requesting direct deposit/debit will need their bank routing and account numbers.

Refunds may be received as soon as 10 days after filing.

Service members can print out their W-2's online at http://mypay.dfas.mil.

For more information, about your taxes or the tax center, call 928-269-3277, or visit VITA in the legal office in building 852.

Ellie