Base offers free tax filing for military community

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Stressed about filing taxes this year? Worry not. Malmstrom's legal office is providing free tax filing services for active duty members and retirees at the Airman's center, Building 650, from Feb. 2 to April 14 every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enlisted members in the grade E-4 and below with no dependents do not need an appointment. All other ranks, with and without dependents, must make an appointment.

The deadline to file federal and state individual tax returns for 2015 is April 18.

"We're excited about the tax center and the ability to serve Airmen in a unique way," said Capt. Elise Girani, 341st Missile Wing chief of legal assistance. "We've been working with the chaplains to be able to provide this service at the Airman's center and teaming with them has been a great experience."

To help make the filing process as smooth as possible, Airmen should bring proper documentation such as W-2s and even the previous year's tax return.

"I think the tax center is as important as the other aspects of legal assistance," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Bell, 341st MW NCO in charge of civil law. "It helps ensure that Airmen have a means to avoid penalties from the IRS and for us to help them reap the benefits of paying taxes throughout the year, especially after the holidays when money is a bit tight."

Personnel on base volunteer to assist Airmen and become certified through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program each year.

"We stand up the tax center every year because it provides our Airmen and their families with the comfort of knowing that at no cost to them, their fellow comrades are there to assist them in the tax preparation process," said Staff Sgt. Kimberly Corbridge, 341 MW civil law paralegal.

The tax center will assist with simple filing but may be not able to advise for more complex circumstances including businesses and rental property ownership.

For questions or more information about the tax center, please call 406-731-2878.