The Fort Detrick Tax Center will open on Jan. 27, to assist active and retired members of the armed forces, including mobilized reservists and their families, with filing both federal and state income tax returns. While the IRS will not receive and process returns until Jan. 31, as long as you have received all W2s and other tax filing documents, we encourage you to get started early with us.
Eligible taxpayers must bring a completed questionnaire/in-take form, a military identification card, and a social security card (or photocopy) for each person named on the return to receive assistance. To download the in-take form and as well as view other helpful information designed to make your visit a one-stop success, visit our webpage at http://www.detrick.army.mil/taxassistance/.
If you have not visited a military tax center before, here are some reasons to do so this season. First, services are free. We estimate we saved the average Tax Center client more than $250 in commercial fees in 2013. Second, your refund is deposited on average within 7-10 days after the return is transmitted. Third, you receive quality assistance.
Upon visiting the center, you will encounter well-trained and certified preparers. After receiving 40 hours of instruction and passing a rigorous IRS-required certification test, our preparers are qualified to handle most tax issues encountered by taxpayers in our military community who have moderate income. Should you need assistance with a matter that exceeds the expertise of the preparers in the Tax Center, you will be referred to the attorney in the Legal Assistance office.
Because Army policy prohibits assistance with any matter related to a personal business or enterprise, to include filing a tax return, preparers and the legal assistance attorney are prohibited from preparing a Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business. So, if you own a business and earn money as sole proprietor or independent contractor, the Tax Center cannot assist you. There is one exception. The Tax Center may prepare a Schedule C-EZ for a family child care provider enrolled under the Child and Youth Services Program.
The Tax Center is located at the Community Support Center, Building 1520, Classroom #6. Although walk-ins are allowed, the best way to receive assistance is to call (301) 619-1040 and make an appointment 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments allow NCOIC to assign a preparer who has the experience and certification level necessary to assist you. If you have any questions, you may also contact the Legal Assistance Office at (301) 619-2221.
The Tax Center is an IRS-designated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site that is part of a personal readiness and quality-of-life program. Managed by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, it exists with the support of commanders. This year, commanders have detailed five soldiers to staff the Tax Center on a full-time basis. They will be joined by an experienced cadre of civilian volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (301) 619-3171.