FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- After several delays, the Fort Jackson Tax Center is now officially open. The Tax Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with unit-specific appointments available Saturday.

Appointments will be taken, but walk-in patrons will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. Priority will be given to those with appointments. The Tax Center will remain open until April 15.

There are several documents patrons must bring with them. Most important, bring any W-2s and all other required documents such as 1099-Rs or 1098-INTs. In addition, bring any documents necessary to establish any deductions that may be taken.

For example, in order to claim mortgage interest, patrons must bring the corresponding Form 1098. Those who purchased a new home in 2009 or spent money on day care, should bring documentation for that. Those who are paying alimony, sold stocks or mutual funds, or were audited last year, must bring all related documents.

In addition to the above documents, both spouses must attend if filing a joint tax return. If the spouse is unavailable, he or she can execute a Power of Attorney (Form 2848) which will allow the other spouse to file without him or her actually being present.

The Tax Center will also require Social Security cards for each taxpayer, as well as the Social Security cards for any dependents being claimed on the return. Those who got married in 2009, should make sure the Social Security card indicates the correct last name.

The Fort Jackson Tax Center is intended to provide basic services for people in need. It is not intended, and is not equipped, for more advanced returns. Therefore, there are limits as to whom the Tax Center may serve.

If a return has more than $90,000 in gross income or a Schedule C needs to be filed, meaning the taxpayer owns his or her own business, the Tax Center is not equipped to handle it.

The same rule applies if the taxpayer owns more than one rental property. If the taxpayer owns just one rental property or received a 1099-C (a cancellation of debt form) Tax Center staff may be able to file his or her return, but on a more limited basis. Call the Fort Jackson Tax Center at 751-JTAX (5829) for more details.

The Tax Center is located at Building 4203 on Sumter Avenue. Facing Perez Gym, it is the adjacent building to the left past the parking lot.