ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The 2014 Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Installation Tax Program is a joint effort of the Client Services Division (CSD), Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Directed by the CSD, the program provides free tax assistance each year to qualifying active duty service members, retirees, and Family members. Active duty service members are those military members currently holding an active duty ID card. Reserve component service members who are not mobilized more than 30 days are not eligible for services and should contact their individual units for assistance.
What you should know about this season's tax services
Tax services will be provided by two CSD staff members on a part-time basis. Tax preparation will be offered on an appointment basis only for simple tax returns and will require a two-visit process: first visit -- document review; second visit -- tax preparation. During the first visit, CSD staff will perform a review of the taxpayer's individual tax documents to determine eligibility for service. If eligible, the taxpayer will be provided with a scheduled appointment to return for tax preparation at a later date.
Be prepared prior to your arrival
Tax personnel cannot prepare an accurate return unless the taxpayer brings all necessary documentation. Inaccurate tax returns caused by incomplete/faulty information may incur IRS penalty and interest assessments. Documents needed depend on each individual situation. Prior to receiving tax services, individuals must first complete three required documents which are extremely helpful in gathering the information necessary to file an accurate federal and state tax return: 1) Determination for Eligibility of APG Tax Services Sheet, (complete this form first, as it lists in detail forms NOT acceptable for service; if eligible, 2) IRS Form 13614-C Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet, a requirement of the IRS, and 3) Client Agreement and Supplemental Questionnaire. The required documents can be accessed online at www.apg.army.mil, Services, APG Tax Services, or picked up at the CSD office.
Document review
Document review is now available and will continue until appointments are no longer available. Individuals eligible for simple tax preparation will be required to visit the CSD office located in building 4305, third floor, room 317, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to11:00 a.m. only, for a complete review of the individual's tax documents. Individuals will be processed by number sequence upon completion of the required documents. Those individuals determined to be eligible for service by CSD Staff will be provided with a scheduled appointment for tax preparation at a later date; ineligible clients will be referred to other professional tax agencies. Tax preparation will NOT be provided at the time of the document review or without a scheduled appointment. Document review will not be provided January 23 and February 11.
Appointments
Appointments for tax preparation will be scheduled between February 18 and April 10, 2014 which will conclude tax preparation for the season. Appointments will be made on a first come - first-scheduled basis until no appointments are available. Appointments will not be scheduled over the phone.
Simple tax preparation
Most individuals who have simple returns with only the following sources of income will be eligible for service: wages, pension, interest and dividend, unemployment compensation, student loan interest, and social security payments. In limited circumstances, child and dependent care expenses, and some itemized deductions on Schedule A may also be eligible. Excessive deductions or schedules and forms will not be eligible due to length in preparation and limited appointment times. Services will include free electronic filing on eligible tax returns; however, CSD staff must prepare the tax return in order to electronically file the tax return. Electronic filing enables taxpayers to receive their tax refunds much faster by using e-file with direct deposit into their bank account rather than having it mailed.
Limited assistance with state income tax preparation
Staff members will provide federal and Maryland tax assistance but will only provide limited assistance with local and state tax returns from other state jurisdictions. Individuals residing in one state while working in another or individuals requiring the preparation of multi-state returns may receive assistance with preparation of the federal return; however, due to the complexity, assistance will not be available for preparation of the multi-state returns. Free Maryland state tax assistance is available in person at any of the agency's 12 taxpayer service offices or by calling 1-800-638-2937. A list of office locations can be found at www.marylandtaxes.com.
Obtaining W2s online
Defense Finance and Accounting Service myPay is a secure, DFAS-operated Web site that lets active duty, National Guard and Reserve military members, civilian employees, and military retirees and annuitants take charge of their pay accounts online. Soldiers and civilians can access their 2013 tax statements by going to https://mypay.dfas.mil.
Other free resources available
Individuals ineligible to receive services provided by the CSD, or those whose schedules do not permit a two-visit process or those in need of a speedy refund, should consider contacting our local AARP Tax Aide Office, also sponsored by IRS VITA, at 410-638-3425. During the tax season, AARP operates seven sites throughout Harford County and its services are provided (beginning in January) by appointment only on a first come - first scheduled basis until no appointments are available. Tax savvy individuals can access www.militaryonesource.mil and www.irs.gov/freefile to take advantage of various free online self-preparation programs. For active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and DOD personnel, www.taxslayer.com Military Tax Edition http://www.taxslayer.com/Products/free-military-tax-filing offers free self-preparation.
Those individuals in need of tax preparation assistance by appointment may contact other nearby military installations, such as Fort Meade at 301-677-9762 and Dover Air Force Base at 302-677-3300. An extensive Income Tax Provider List is also available on the APG Tax Services website for referral to other tax resources.
General information
Inquiries regarding income tax services may be directed to the CSD staff attendant at 410-278-1583. Calls after normal operating hours, Monday -- Thursday, 8:30 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m., or received when the attendant is assisting other clients will be directed to the automated information line. On touchtone phones press number 3 for the Client Services Division then number 6 for income tax preparation information.
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