MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Eligible patrons aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii are encouraged to complete their taxes with one of more than a dozen service members at the base tax center, from Feb. 5 to April 26.
Active duty service members, dependents, active reservists and retirees are eligible to have their tax returns completed at the base tax center, located in building 455 next to the Youth Activities Center.
“These are your service members serving for you right now,” said Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Forde, senior enlisted leader for the tax center. “They understand the plight we go through as service members and DoD civilians.”
The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the tax season. No appointment is necessary. Patrons who have complex tax returns can also walk in, and the volunteers will work to accommodate them if they need further assistance.
As an added tip from last year, spouses are encouraged to file jointly rather than separately. Couples may not be eligible
for certain credits if filing taxes separately.
There are several benefits for the service members who use the base tax center, according to veteran
volunteer tax preparer Clark Edwards, who has volunteered at the center for more than 12 years. Patrons will be able to complete their state and federal tax returns free of charge, but they can also request previous copies of tax returns they have completed at the center.
“You’re supposed to save your taxes for three years, but when you live out of a sea bag, it’s pretty hard,” Edwards said.
Before arriving at the center, visitors should compile:
• DoD identification card
• All W2s (including spouse’s)
• Bank account and routing numbers
• Copy of last year’s tax return
• All other tax forms (1099s, etc.)
• Social Security cards of all family members
The volunteers at the tax center come from various units. They have been trained through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and a specialized weeklong class at Schofi eld Barracks in Wahiawa.
Cpl. Chris Rodriguez, who will work as a volunteer tax preparer at the tax center this year, recently attended the training. Before this, the 22-year-old was already used to fi ling his own taxes online.
“It was really simple because everything is laid out in all of our books,” Rodriguez said of the training.
But there are some challenges. Rodriguez said there were debates at times about terminology used by the IRS. For instances, there are different words used for types of homes, from home of record to abode. However, Rodriguez said the volunteers are amply prepared to provide tax services. He encourages patrons to ask questions, so the volunteers can provide them with efficient service.
As in previous years, service members also have additional concerns or are eligible for certain provisions. For instance, spouses working in Hawaii may be eligible for tax exemptions under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, passed in November 2009.
According to the IRS website, service members who are deployed and unable to file their taxes on time may be granted extensions to file after returning home. In addition, some service members may be eligible to exclude pay received in certain combat zones when completing their taxes, according to the IRS website.
Patrons unsure if a certain zone is eligible can call the tax center. Forde recommended visiting the center as early as possible. Last year, the busiest times fell within lunch hours or from 5 to 6 p.m.
“The Marines and sailors here have committed the time and effort to being the best prepared to get you what you deserve, so just come on down and let us help you for free,” Forde said.
Once the return is filed, the IRS estimates that people should receive their refunds within 21 days. The status of refunds can be checked at http://www.irs.gov by clicking the “Where’s my refund?” link or calling 1-800-829-1954.
This year, patrons can also use the “IRS2Go” application on a mobile phone to access the status. Patrons can also have access to limited year-round tax assistance from a dedicated worker. For more information, call the base tax center at 257-1564.