SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - The Hawaii-Army Tax Centers here and at Fort Shafter will be open for business through April 29.
All ranks, family members and retirees can visit the centers for free assistance in organizing and completing 2010 income tax forms.
Tax Center staffs ask that individuals bring all required documents: including the following:
--Military ID cards.
--Social Security cards for family members. Tax Centers will accept Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, printouts that list Social Security numbers for family members who don't have Social Security cards. Also, spouses will need to bring a form of ID that lists their Social Security numbers since their military ID cards don't list the numbers.
--Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of tax refund.
--Documentation showing pay or income received during 2010. These are all forms of income that must be reported. A good rule of thumb is to bring documents labeled "Important Tax Document."
Military members are encouraged to bring any additional documentation that could potentially increase refunds. Documents include the following:
--Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement.
--Bank statements listing any individual retirement account or other retirement contributions.
--Statements showing school tuition and receipts from child care services.
--Form 1098-T, Student Loan Interest Statement, or Form 1098-E, Tuition Statement, showing payment of student loans or out-of-pocket college tuition.
Spouses filing "Married Filing Jointly" will need to bring a power of attorney, signed by the unavailable spouse, who should allow the spouse to sign the return on his or her behalf. While Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, can be downloaded at www.irs.gov, a clause allowing a spouse to file taxes is oftentimes included in special powers of attorney for deploying Soldiers.
The Tax Center, here, expects a last-minute rush as the April 18 filing deadline nears. Wait time during peak times can be four to five hours; therefore, Tax Center staffs recommend leaving younger children with a friend or babysitter.
Important Tax Documents
Military, family members and retirees must bring the following forms, as applicable, with them to file their tax returns:
--Form W2, Wage and Tax Statement, showing wages.
--Form 1099-INT, Interest Income, showing interest earned from bank accounts.
--Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions, showing dividend income.
--Form 1099-B, Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions, showing capital gains.
--Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, showing rental income received during the year.
Army Tax Centers
The Schofield Barracks Tax Center is open to all ranks, family members and retirees for free assistance in organizing and completing 2010 income tax forms, on a walk-in basis, between 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, through April 29, at Building 648, next to the Sgt. Smith Theater. For an update on wait times, search for "Hawaii Army Tax Centers" on www.facebook.com.
The Fort Shafter Tax Center is located in the Aloha Center, and its hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. The Fort Shafter Tax Center is by appointment only. Soldiers, family members and retirees can schedule their appointments at 808-655-1040.
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