Tax Center is open for business Published Jan. 25, 2011 By 341st Staff Judge Advocate's Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- For many, preparing taxes can be intimidating, stressful or otherwise unpleasant. Help is available via the Tax Assistance Program, a free service provided through the legal office to Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen stationed here. W-2's became available Air Force wide Jan. 24 and the Malmstrom tax center opened the same day. It is located in building 145, room 307. Volunteer Income Tax Assistants will process Form 1040EZ and Form 1040A filers on a walk-in basis through Feb 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Fridays. Due to the recent tax legislation, IRS will not be able to process itemized returns until the middle or end of February. An appointment will be necessary for itemized returns. The appointment line will is open but the first available appointments starting Feb. 15. To make an appointment, call 731-4749 or go to website at http://341mw.appointy.com and make an appointment online. All active-duty members, Guardsman, Reservists, military retirees and their family members are encouraged to take advantage of this free service. A word of caution: don't be tempted by the "instant refund" deals offered by some commercial tax preparation firms. These companies offer to give the refund instantly in exchange for a percentage of the refund. While getting the refund instantly sounds great, this is a bad financial decision because the percentage taken "off the top" is exorbitantly high. Moreover, taxpayers can get their refunds relatively quick by filing electronically and using direct deposit for refund checks. The 341st Missile Wing Tax Center is not affiliated with H&R Block. The Tax Assistance Program is a DOD sponsored program. Last year, the volunteers with the tax program filed more than 716 returns, saving Malmstrom personnel and families more than $197,000 in tax preparation and filing fees. David Johnson has returned this year to oversee the day-to-day operations of the tax center which will be staffed by 46 volunteers from across Malmstrom serving as VITAs. They all received tax preparation training from the Internal Revenue Service and be ready to assist you during tax time. In order for the VITAs to prepare your tax returns, you (and your spouse if you are married) will need to bring the following documents: 1. Proof of Identity a. Military ID b. Dependent ID 2. Taxpayer's and dependents' Social Security Cards 3. Copies of all W-2s, Forms 1098, Forms 1099 4. Interest and Dividend Statements (Form 1099 INT and 1099 DIV) 5. Child Care Provider's Name, Address, and Identification Number (EIN or SSN) 6. Taxpayer's banking information for refund deposit (preferably voided check or savings deposit slip)- Routing number and account number 7. Estimated tax payments made 8. Amounts of other income 9. Other documents, if applicable a. A copy of last year's Federal/State return, if possible b. Power of Attorney c. Documentation supporting a claim to a dependency exemption d. Divorce Decree or Form 8332 (Release of Claim to exemption for Children of Divorced or Separated Parents) after 2008 e. Documents showing Real Estate or Property Taxes paid 10. First Time Homebuyers Credit a. A copy of the settlement statement showing all parties' names and signatures, property address, sales price, and date of purchase. Normally this is the properly executed Form Hud-1, Settlement Statement. b. For mobile home purchasers who are unable to get a settlement statement, a copy of the retail sales contract showing all parties' names and signatures, property address, the purchase price, and the date of purchase. c. For a newly constructed home where a settlement statement is not available, a copy of your certificate of occupancy showing your name, property address, and the date of the certificate. 11. Long-time Resident Homebuyer Credit a. Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement (or substitute mortgage interest statement), b. Property tax records or c. Homeowner's insurance records 12. First Time Homebuyer Repayment of Credit a. Notice CPO3A-Repaying your First-Time Homebuyer Credit This year, the 341st Medical Group will have an "in-house" tax preparer. Members of this unit will need to contact Geoff Fallon at 731-2584 to schedule appointments.