Tax assistance center opens Monday

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  By now, most people have downloaded their W-2's from the myPay Web site and are busy putting together the rest of the information they need to file their 2007 income tax forms. For those members of Team Malmstrom and the military community who are not confident in completing their own tax forms, help is available. 

Once again, the legal-office sponsored tax assistance center will provide free tax filing services for military members and their families starting Jan. 28. 

"The service is offered to active-duty and retired military members of all services and their family members with current ID cards," said Master Sgt. Michele Reynolds, 341st Space Wing Judge Advocate Office. "We will e-file federal income taxes and most state income taxes for those who come in for help." 

This year, the tax center has changed location. It will operate out of the former child development center, in building 4000, located on Maple Street. The hours of operation will be 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 to 11 a.m. Friday. 

"For the first two weeks, Jan. 28 to Feb. 10, the volunteer income tax assistance representatives will only process Forms 1040A and 1040EZ on a walk-in basis," Sergeant Reynolds explained. "This will allow the VITA reps to become familiar with the new software while they process these easier tax forms." 

Appointments can be made to process all other forms starting Jan. 28, with the first appointment being available Feb. 11. Call 731-3157 to make an appointment. Walk-ins will still be taken after Feb. 11 but longer waits may be experienced. 

There are also specific items customers need to bring with them when they come to e-file, according to Sergeant Reynolds. 

Those items include:
1. Proof of identity (ID card) 
2. Taxpayer and dependents being claimed social security numbers 
3. Copies of all W-2s, Forms 1098 and Forms 1099 
4. Child care provider's identification number (if applicable) 
5. Taxpayer's banking information for refund deposit (preferably a voided check and/or a savings account deposit slip that includes the account number and routing number)
6. Estimated tax payments made, etc.
7. Amounts of other income
8. Other documents where applicable
a. Copies of 2006 state and federal tax returns
b. Power of attorney
c. Documentation supporting a claim to dependency exemption (divorce decree or Form 8332)
9. Canceled check or a receipt for any charitable donations 

Anyone with questions can call 731-3157 starting Jan. 28.