News

Robins Tax Center prepares for 2011 filing season

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  • By WR-ALC/JA
It's tax time and the Robins Tax Center is preparing to help servicemembers and their eligible dependents file 2011 returns.

The tax center opens Jan. 30 and will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. The center will be located in Bldg. 995, a trailer next to the old Robins Elementary School.  It will stay open until April 19.

The tax center provides free tax preparation and electronic filing services to active duty, Reservists, National Guardsmen, retirees, and eligible dependents. Per AFI 51-504, Legal Assistance, Notary and Preventive Law Programs, Reserve and National Guard members must be on Title 10 Orders in order to receive tax assistance (this applies to their eligible dependents as well).

Services will be provided on a first come-first served basis. Those interested in having their taxes prepared should arrive at the tax center at 8 a.m. to attend a requirements briefing. Taxpayers who have all required documents will be given an appointment with a preparer. Individuals who do not have all necessary supporting documentation with them will be asked to come back with the documentation. Taxpayers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their appointed time to complete the client questionnaire.

The center will also be offering a drop off service for the 2011 filing season. Those who have all required documents to prepare taxes may drop off the paperwork at the tax center for preparation, and notification will be sent when the return has been completed.

If the taxpayer is deployed to a combat zone, Persian Gulf, hazardous duty area of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Albania, the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea north of 39th parallel, or Afghanistan, they have 180 days from the last day they were in the combat zone, or the last day of continuous qualified hospitalization for injury from the combat zone, to file a tax return.

Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program guidelines and resource limitations, tax preparers are not permitted to prepare returns for taxpayers who received a 1099 Miscellaneous Business Income or Royalties, had Health Savings Account Deductions or whose tax returns will include Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), Complicated & Advanced Schedule D (Capital Gains & Losses), Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss from Rental Real Estate) or Schedule F (Farm Income or Loss).

For those eligible for assistance, it is imperative they bring all documents and information listed below:
  • a. Military IDs and Social Security cards of taxpayer, spouse, and dependent children
  • b. W-2s
  • c. 1099s
  • d. 1098s
  • e. Legal documents
  • a. Divorce decree or Form 8332 that states entitlement to claim a dependent
  • b. Power of attorney if someone will be signing the return for you or your spouse
  • c. Death certificate if you are filing on behalf of a deceased person
  • f. Voided check for verification of your bank account number and bank routing number.
  • g. Child care provider's name, address, and tax identification number (or Social Security number) and the amount paid
  • h. Last year's tax return or any other useful documentation 
If you have any questions or for more information, call the Robins Tax Center at 468-1831.