Tax Assistance Center now open

By joan vaseyJanuary 27, 2016

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - The Fort Huachuca Tax Assistance Center (TAC) officially opened for business during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility Jan. 25.

Deputy Staff Judge Advocate Lt. Col. Cory Young, TAC Officer-in-charge Capt. Brianna Robinette, TAC Manager James Weathersby, and U.S. Army Garrison Sgt. Maj. Lavander Wilkerson cut the ribbon and declared the TAC open. Wilkerson cited the millions of dollars in refunds processed and thousands of dollars in fees Soldiers, Family members and retirees saved by using the TAC last year.

During the 2015 tax season, Soldiers at the TAC assisted 1,550 clients, completing 2,818 federal and state returns.

Volunteers at the facility helped Soldiers, Families and retirees receive $3,780,632 in federal and state refunds and saved them $482,834 in tax preparation fees.

Dan Wildermuth was the first client to walk through the doors of the officially opened TAC Jan. 25, and officials expect a constant flow of clients during tax season this year.

The TAC is located in Building 22324, Christy Avenue, and operates 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays on an appointment-basis only. On Wednesdays, the TAC has extended hours, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

To receive assistance, clients must bring the following items to the TAC for their appointment:

- Government identification

- Social Security card

- 2015 W-2 tax form(s)

- Voided checks or bank account information, such as the routing and account numbers.

Clients should also bring:

- Copy of 2014 tax return

- Other 2015 tax documentation such as 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, SSA-1099, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, etc., if applicable

- Documentation pertaining to filing status, such as divorce decree stipulating: dependent tax claims, alimonies, etc., if applicable

- Scholarships, tuition fees/debts and student loans if applicable

- If planning to itemize deductions, all applicable receipts and records

Those who arrive for their scheduled appointment without all documents will have to reschedule.

Tax preparers at the Fort Huachuca TAC will do Arizona state taxes and out-of-state tax returns but cannot do complex out-of-state tax returns. Tax preparers cannot do income taxes returns for someone who had more than 20 stock or bond trades.

The TAC cannot process income tax returns for those with home-business income. However, there is an exception for Family Child Care providers; assistance is available on their income tax returns. Those with questions should call in advance if they have a question about tax-preparation eligibility through the TAC.

Those who wish to have their return done at the Fort Huachuca TAC should call anytime during normal TAC business hours to schedule, according to Weathersby. Appointments will be confirmed via email, and the confirmation message will include a flyer with helpful tax tips.

To make an appointment or for more information about the TAC, call 520.533.1040 or 520.533.1080 during its operating hours.