Malmstrom tax center offers free assistance Published Jan. 29, 2010 By 341st Staff Judge Advocate's Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Benjamin Franklin wrote, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." That may or may not be true, but there is no doubt most of us have to file tax returns. 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. All active-duty members, guardsman, reservists, 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. W-2's became available Air Force wide Jan. 20. The 341st Missile Wing Tax Center opened Jan. 25. The tax center is located in building 300, room 140. Volunteer Income Tax Assistants will process Form 1040EZ and Form 1040A filers on a walk-in basis. For itemized returns, an appointment is necessary. The appointment line also opened Jan. 25. Last year, tax program volunteers filed more than 800 returns, saving Malmstrom personnel and families more than $180,000 in tax preparation and filing fees. David Johnson is returning this year to oversee the day-to-day operations of the tax center which will be staffed mostly by VITA's. Forty-six volunteers from across Malmstrom will be serving as VITAs. They all received tax preparation training from the Internal Revenue Service and are ready to assist customers. In order for the VITAs to prepare a tax return, the military member and their spouse will need to bring the following documents: Military ID or dependent ID Taxpayer's and dependents' Social Security Cards Copies of all W-2s, Forms 1098, Forms 1099 Interest and Dividend Statements (Form 1099) Child Care Provider's Identification Number Taxpayer's banking information for refund deposit (preferably voided check or savings deposit slip) - Routing number and account number Estimated tax payments made Amounts of other income Other documents, if applicable: A copy of last year's Federal and State returns, if possible Power of Attorney Documentation supporting a claim to a dependency exemption Divorce Decree (Before 2009) or Form 8332 (Release of Claim to Exemption for Children of Divorce Separated Parents) (After 2008) Documents showing Real Estate or Property Taxes paid For those members and spouses who are homeowners, the following documents are necessary to complete tax returns: First-time Homebuyers 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 executed retail sales contract showing all parties' names and signatures, property address, purchase price and date of purchase. c. For a newly constructed home where a settlement statement is not available, a copy of the certificate of occupancy showing the owner's name, property address and date of the certificate. Long-time Resident Homebuyer Credit a. Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, or substitute mortgage interest statements, b. Property tax records or c. Homeowner's insurance records. For information on Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (Public Law 111-97) and First-time Homebuyers Credit, go to the tax center Web site at http://www.wix.com/341mwja/341mw). The 341st MW tax center is not affiliated with H&R Block. To make an appointment, call 731-4785 or go to the tax center Web site at http://www.wix.com/341mwja/341mw and make an appointment online.