PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio Tax Center will again provide assistance to service members, retirees and their eligible family members with free preparation of federal and state tax returns and electronic filing.
The tax center, which is located on the Presidio began assisting clients and taking appointments Jan. 27.
The tax center, which is in building 358, on Buffalo Soldier Trail, is fully capable of filing returns electronically, or e-filing, which means client tax refunds can be directly deposited into bank accounts in as little as 10 days.
The military community is highly encouraged to use this free service, which will provide fast payment of tax refunds without the high cost of commercial tax preparer fees.
Last year the Presidio Tax Center filed almost 1,600 federal and state returns, saving service members more than $300,000 in filing fees.
Additionally, the tax center was able to return over $2.1 million in refunds to military clients, with an approximate savings of $280 to each person filing.
Taxpayers should ensure they have all their information before filing a tax return, including a copy of their prior year's tax returns if possible.
To receive assistance, clients must bring the following items to the tax center for their appointment:
*Government photo identification and Social Security cards for themselves and their dependents.
*2014 W-2 tax form(s) and 1099, rental income forms.
*Voided checks or bank account information, such as the routing and account numbers.
*Other applicable 2014 tax documentation such as 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, SSA-1099, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, etc.
*Documentation pertaining to filing status, such as divorce decree stipulating, dependent tax claims, alimonies, etc., if applicable.
*Scholarships, tuition fees or debts, and student loans if applicable.
*If planning to itemize deductions, all applicable receipts and records.
*Affordable Care Act documents (Forms W2and 1095).
*Power of Attorney, if signing for a spouse.
*Copy of 2013 tax return.
Because the documents are vital to tax preparation, customers who arrive for their scheduled appointments without all documents will have to reschedule their appointment, said Matt Shelton, tax assistance program manager.
The tax center offers a walk-in-and-drop-off service for filers in the pay grade E-4 and below without dependents is also available beginning Jan. 27, Shelton said.
One very satisfied customer is Dave Riddle, a local military retiree who regularly uses the Presidio's tax assistance program, posted to the Presidio's Facebook page, "I can't say enough good things about the [program]. … I've seen their trained preparers complete a wide range of state and federal returns, including my own, with results as good if not better, than local commercial preparers."
Riddle also wrote that "all returns they prepare are reviewed so redundantly that you can feel comfortable they get the numbers right. There's absolutely no reason to pay a commercial tax preparer."
To make an appointment call 831-242-7365. Appointments are available 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking, always in short supply on the Presidio, is available on Buffalo Soldier Trail throughout the duration of the tax season.
ABOUT THE POM TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Unit tax advisors, known as UTAs, are available to help service members, family members and retirees in completing their federal and state returns and to answer questions. If Presidio service personnel have questions on tax issues, they will first be directed to contact their UTA for tax assistance. All UTAs receive a two-week course of instruction on federal and state tax preparation.
Tax preparation is perceived as so complicated and time consuming that many service members procrastinate, then needlessly pay commercial organizations to prepare simple tax returns. Some unsuspecting service members fall victim to a few unscrupulous firms which offer income tax refund discounting schemes. These schemes charge the user an unreasonable interest rate.
Also, many service members who do prepare their own taxes often fail to claim legitimate deductions and credits.
The military community is highly encouraged to use this free service, which will provide fast payment of tax refunds without the high cost of commercial tax preparer fees. Each year the Presidio Tax Center saves the Monterey Military Community hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax-return preparation fees while ensuring taxpayers receive every credit, deduction and exemption to which they are entitled.
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