HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- It’s tax season again.
This year, the Hill Air Force Base Tax Center will open its doors Jan. 27.
IRS-certified volunteers at the center will be available to provide free basic, as well as military-specific, income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Services will be limited to active-duty servicemembers, military retirees, and dependents, all with incomes less than $75,000.
J.Ed Christiansen, 75th Air Base Wing Legal Office, said the Tax Center prepares and files hundreds of federal and state tax returns each year saving clients tens of thousands of dollars in tax preparation fees and software costs.
“Most importantly, with military-specific tax issue training, the Tax Center volunteers can help you navigate those complex issues, including those associated with moving around from state to state and deciding which state return to file, particularly when you marry someone from a different state,” Christiansen said.
The Tax Center will be located in building 349, room 101, on B Lane and will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Tax Day, April 15. The center will be closed on federal holidays.
“In using our service, be sure to bring your military ID, social security cards for you, your spouse, and all your dependents, a copy of last year’s tax return or transcript, and all relevant documentation for your income, deductions, and credits,” Christiansen said.
According to the IRS, 9 out of 10 refunds are issued in less than 21 days. However, Christiansen said it is possible that your refund may take longer and require additional review.
Also, those who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit will likely not receive their refund until after Feb. 22, because of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act.
Christiansen said there are numerous online tools to assist people during tax season.
The “Where’s My Refund?” tool at https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp can be used check the status of a refund.
Another tool is the IRS2Go app for mobile devices. In addition to checking on the status of a refund, the IRS2Go app allows people to make payments to the IRS, subscribe to receive IRS tax tips, watch helpful YouTube videos, and find other VITA sites.
The app can be found on Google Play, the Apple App Store, and Amazon.
In addition, people who aren’t able to use the Hill AFB Tax Center, Military One Source at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center offers free tax prep, e-filing software, and other resources for active-duty military without an income limit.
In partnership with the IRS, several tax preparation software vendors also offer Free File at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free, which is available for use by people with incomes less than $69,000.
For more information, call the Tax Center at 801-777-1040.