Tax center improves service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Bressler
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The Ramstein Tax Center reopened Jan. 23 for the 2007 Tax Filing Season. The Tax Center is located in base legal office, Bldg. 2137.

In an effort to provide service to even more clients, the tax center has made a few changes for this tax season. First, they have expanded the number of work stations from five to 10, and now clients are asked to input their own data in the tax preparation software. By using Military One Source's free tax software, TaxCut, clients are able to quickly and accurately prepare their tax returns with the help of Volunteer Income Tax Assistants.

"One of the major advantages of running the tax program this way is that we can assist 10 people at a time," said Capt. Mary Ellen Payne, 435th Air Base Wing Legal Office. "By increasing the number of work stations and having the customer input their own data, we are not limited by the number of VITAs who are on duty on a particular day. Ten customers should be able to work on tax returns at any time."

Customers need to ensure they bring all the proper documents and information needed to file the tax return smoothly. Such documents include: Social Security cards for clients, spouses and dependents, all W-2's and any other tax information on income received in 2007, Individual Retirement Account contribution information, records of educational expenses, bank account number and routing number for direct deposit, and a copy of last year's federal/state returns if available.

"Being involved in the tax filing process will give our customers a better understanding of their returns," said Captain Payne. "You will understand why you are getting a refund or why you owe the IRS money. Armed with this knowledge, you may be able to make certain changes to your financial habits and ensure a better return next year."

Those who can't file taxes during the tax center hours can access MilitaryOneSource.com and TaxCut 24 hours a day, seven days a week to file their taxes for free. If running into problems at home, call a MOS tax adviser at 1-800-730-3802, or save the work online and go to the tax center during the center's office hours to receive assistance from a tax advisor.

This program is offered to any active-duty member, Reservist, Department of Defense civilian or dependant who wants to file their taxes. Retirees who are not a DOD civilian, can still receive tax assistance by calling the tax center for more information.

"With this new program, I think we will be very successful in helping many people prepare their tax returns efficiently this year," said Capt. Christopher Wu, 435th ABW Legal Office. "We will be able to help more people in less time."
The tax center will remain open until June 15. VITAs will be available to assist every customer with his or her tax return. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

The 435th Air Base Wing Law Center hosts its annual Project Cheer event 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the legal office. Snacks and drinks are available.
For more information about the tax program, call 480-1040 or e-mail taxcenter@ramstein.af.mil.