As the holiday season approaches, the Military District of Washington Office of the Staff Judge Advocate would like you to remember that income tax season is also quickly approaching. Therefore, we advise the following preliminary actions in order to assist us in helping you retrieve the most appropriate tax relief possible.
First, if you are a servicemember and employed at a civilian job, you should ask your civilian employer about obtaining your W-2s and⁄or 1099s as soon as possible. Furthermore, you should ensure that your employer has a correct address to forward all income tax documents to you. If you are married, filing jointly and will be signing tax documents on behalf of your spouse or you are having someone else sign and file your taxes, you should consider submitting the IRS Power of Attorney Form 2848. This document is available on the IRS website at http:⁄⁄www.irs.gov⁄pub⁄irs-pdf⁄f2848.pdf. If you need assistance with executing this document, please schedule an appointment at the Fort Myer Legal Assistance Office by calling(703) 696-0761.
Secondly, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be opening its tax center Feb.1 in Bldg. 406 which is located immediately next to the bowling center. This year will mark the 14th year that the Joint Base Tax Center has offered free tax services to servicemembers from all service branches, their dependents and retirees. Last year, the Tax Center saved its clients approximately $160,192 in yearly tax preparation fees and recovered for its clients a refund of approximately $1,798,602. This year, the Tax Center is prepared to continue this tradition of excellence and exceed these goals. As such, we will provide tax assistance on an appointment basis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, walk-in services will be provided to 1040EZ filers, i.e. clients who have one W-2 and⁄or 1099. Also, the tax center will assist clients in recovering quick refunds. Therefore, in order to receive a speedy refund, all clients are required to bring military identification cards, social security cards for every dependent and themselves, all W-2s, 1099s and HUD-1. Finally, you will need to bring a voided check for electronic fund transfers.
Meanwhile, the office needs your assistance in staffing this year’s tax center. If you are available for approximately 15 hours a week, experienced and⁄or interested in taxes, and would like to volunteer please contact me at the Fort Myer Legal Services Office at (703) 696-0761. If you are selected as a tax preparer, we will provide you tax preparation training from the IRS commencing in January.
In the coming months, you can expect to see additional articles that will provide helpful information on filing your taxes. Until then, enjoy the holidays and remember that income tax season is just around the corner.
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