Fast filing for income taxes is available

Published Jan. 17, 2012
By Capt. Stephen Braunlich
Chief of Legal Assistance and Preventative Law

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Albert Einstein once said, "The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax."

Thankfully, Airmen have access to better resources to help them prepare and file federal and state income taxes than what Albert Einstein did.

The IRS FreeFile program (www.irs.gov/efile) provides free tax preparation for individuals and married couples filing jointly that have an Adjusted Gross Income below $57,000.

The FreeFile program allows Airmen to select from a variety of professional tax preparation companies that provide free tax preparation and filing services. Many of these companies are also prepared to assist Airmen with state tax returns, too.

Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.mil) has again partnered with H&R Block to provide free, basic tax preparation for all Airmen regardless of their AGI.

Servicemembers will be able to use H&R Block's Home Basic tax preparation software, which is ideal for simple tax returns and allows you to file up to three state tax returns. However, Airmen with income from rental property, a home office, business expenses, or asset depreciation may need more advanced tax preparation assistance.

In addition to the above programs, the Malmstrom Tax Assistance Program will open later this month for walk-ins and begin taking appointments in February. The Program is available for Airmen, retirees and their dependents. Volunteers are trained by the IRS to help prepare and file taxes.

For more information, call the Legal Assistance office at 731-2878.