Fort Sill Tax Center set to open for Soldiers and retirees

By Courtney Griggs, Fort Sill CannoneerJanuary 18, 2011

Fort Sill, Okla -- Tax season is quickly approaching and the chief of Fort Sill's Income Tax Assistance Center would like every military ID card holder to file his or her taxes on post.

"We will be open January 20, and we will be providing free tax preparation for service members and retirees," said Capt. Julie McConnell, center chief. "Nobody in the Fort Sill community should pay for tax preparation. We have the staffing and the resources to prepare tax returns for all eligible clients. We look forward to helping the Fort Sill community. We want everyone to know that we are here, are free and can e-file almost anything."

When will the center open'

Jan. 20 through April 18. Hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center also will be open Saturdays until Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"During the first two weeks (Jan. 20 through Feb. 5), we will see people on a walk-in basis only. After that, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are the appointment days," said McConnell. "We will take walk-ins Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays."

When can appointments be scheduled'

Jan. 31 is the first day the center will schedule appointments - advisors will start seeing clients by appointment Feb. 7.

What do I need to bring with me'

Every person filing taxes needs to bring a military ID. W-2s and 1099s forms are necessary. Anyone wanting to e-file should bring proof of a bank account and anyone whose spouse isn't present must have a power of attorney.

All federal taxes and most state taxes can be e-filed. "We are very efficient in filing taxes. There will be only short waits and e-filing will put money in accounts faster and is better than going somewhere off post."

Where do I need to go'

The center is in Hartzell Hall, 4700 Mow-Way Road on the fourth floor. To contact the center, call 442-6445 or 3526.