Max-out return, save prep fees with tax center help

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Colbert
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Tax season is here and the Luke Air Force Base tax center is open through April 17.  Last year, the tax center filed more than 2,000 federal and state returns, saving the Luke community in excess of $100,000 in tax preparation fees. The tax center hopes to offer a similar level of service this year with a focus on ensuring that junior Airmen have the opportunity to take advantage of its services.

With more than 25 volunteers, the professionals at the tax center are ready to help.  The volunteers receive extensive training by a member of the IRS.

"Everyone is afraid of taxes," said Airman 1st Class Sean Sussman, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron and tax center volunteer. "I volunteered, because I wanted to be comfortable."

This year the tax center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Appointments are encouraged, but not required.  Appointments will be accepted for active-duty Airmen E-5 and below until Thursday. After that, appointments will be accepted for all active-duty personnel and retirees.  Additionally, all active-duty personnel and retirees may walk in and will be assisted on a space-available basis during the entire tax season. Many Airmen have already taken advantage of this free service.

Airman 1st Class Jon Mark Wilson, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, had his taxes prepared at the center and is waiting for his check. "As far as getting my taxes done, it was great," he said.

Active-duty Airmen should also consider preparing their returns using the resources of Military OneSource. Military OneSource and H&R Block have again teamed up to offer active-duty service members a free tax-filing service in the comfort of their homes. The software, preparation, and filing of federal, and up to three state tax returns, are free. Military OneSource offers a toll-free number to call and speak with a tax consultant. For more Information, go to www.militaryonesource.mil.

Tax preparation can be a daunting task, especially for those who have never prepared their own taxes. But with resources like the Luke tax center and Military One-Source, every Airmen has the opportunity to receive expert tax advice, file a timely return and possibly get a refund.

"My best experience?" Sussman said, "The look on customers' faces when they see they are getting money back, the surprise of how much money they're going to get back and them leaving happy."

For more information or to make an appointment, call (623) 856-3149.