Tax Center assists, saves, returns funds

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Larissa Greatwood
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  From February to June, the tax center on Ramstein works tirelessly to ensure Airmen, dependents and retirees are able to file their taxes properly and receive return entitlements.

In 2014 alone, the volunteers, who receive training prior to assisting, saved more than $200,000 in tax preparation fees by helping complete more than 1,000 returns. Their efforts returned $2.1 million to their Kaiserslautern Military Community customers.

The volunteers assist with many aspects of filing taxes such as W-2s, 1040s stock investment forms, mortgages, day care expenses, student loans and more. By offering these amenities, they help to alleviate the stress of filing taxes and receiving returns.

"I started to file my taxes on my own, but decided to meet with the tax center to ensure I didn't miss anything," said Senior Airman Kathryn Patchoski, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron police services NCO. "The volunteers have a lot of experience and training, so their assistance made this process a lot easier than it would be to do on my own."

Staff Sgt. Renee Brown, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate NCO in charge of adverse actions and the tax center, said the service is a convenience offered to make filing taxes and tax assistance easier.

"Everyone loves receiving tax returns, so I definitely think that boosts morale," she said. "Aside from that, it's important to not be concerned about financial stability when deploying. We're here to make sure everyone's mind is at ease and answer any questions."

The tax center is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Thursdays, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and on Fridays, they are open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and accept walk-ins.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call DSN 480-1040 or commercially at 06371-47-1040.