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Top-notch tax aid continues
Posted 1/27/2013 Updated 2/5/2013
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by Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/27/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- With 2012 in the past, people will be getting ready to file taxes to put that returned cash back into their wallet. As a result, the Misawa Tax Center will be offering free tax preparation for the base community starting Feb. 5, 2013.
The tax center is an annual program that helps the military community avoid the cost of preparing both state and federal taxes, as well as maximizing returns while avoiding errors that could cause audits.
"Last year, our tax center put a total of 2.9 million dollars in tax returns back to the base community, and that was all free service," said Capt. Juan Godinez, Tax Center officer in charge. "We processed 1,549 state and federal taxes, and we had a total of 978 clients."
Many people don't understand the technicalities of filing taxes, which can make it hard on someone who would rather do their own. Tech. Sgt. Keshia Scott, tax center NCO in charge, explains the dangers with excluding professional help when filing taxes.
"Sometimes people miss things," said Scott. "Many are unaware that bank interest must be reported, even if it's just $1. You run the risk of being audited."
Godinez understands the troubles and encourages members to use the tax center.
"There is a margin of error when filing taxes on your own, whereas with the tax center, you're meeting one-on-one with an individual who knows specifically what it's like in the military, living overseas," said Godinez.
Located next to Navy billeting, the tax center is available to all service members, Department of Defense employees, dependents and retirees in Misawa.
Walk-in appointments are available for members that qualify from Feb. 5-15 and afterward, members will be able to schedule an appointment. Hours of operations include Monday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"What the community needs to know is that when they come to our tax center they are getting a top notch service; they are getting folks that know what they are doing," said Godinez.
For more information about the tax center or to make an appointment, call
226-3948 or 226-2513. |
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