Free Tax Assistance for Military Personnel and Their Families

Tax season is here again. And while filing for tax returns can be tricky for the average family, it can get even more complicated for military families. This is why military personnel and their families have access to a variety of tax preparation and filing services for free.

Filing your tax returns requires a good number of documents and personal information. To ensure a smooth process as possible, the following is a list of necessary records you will need to file your return.

1. Photo ID/Military ID/Driver’s license
2. Social security cards for you and each family member claimed on the return
3. Wage and earning statement(s), such as Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R for each working member of the household
4. Child care costs
5. Educational fees such as tuition, scholarships, and book costs
6. Rental property information
7. Investment income forms
8. Car property tax receipt
9. Receipts for charitable donations
10. Receipts for deductible expenses
11. Receipts for medication and health care costs
12. Receipts for business travel costs
13. Receipts for uniform purchase and cleaning
14. Your bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
15. A copy of last year’s tax returns

Whether you choose to file taxes yourself, online, or you prefer some outside assistance from a trained professional, there are a variety of reasonable options to choose from.

Military Installation Tax Centers

Most military installations worldwide offer Servicemembers and their families’ free income tax filing assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is sponsored by the IRS, and brings in volunteers from all over the world that are trained by the IRS to aid military members file their taxes as painless as possible.

Here on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, we strive for perfection, as will our Joint Tax Center located in Bldg. 205 at 101 Bloxon Street on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The facility will provide cost-free federal and state income tax return preparation and e-filing for military personnel, their families and other eligible clients throughout the 2015 tax season. Tax center staffers will also help with itemized deductions and certain self-employment income and expenses. Please call 703-696-1040 to make your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information from the IRS regarding Military Tax Preparation, please visit: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Military

For more information on financial assistance and investing, please contact Mr. Leonard Toyer at JBM-HH Army Community Service at 703-696-3510.