Tax Center opens doors to new season of savings

By Jeremy Henderson, Army Flier Staff WriterFebruary 5, 2015

Tax Center opens doors to new season of savings
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric C. Thom, Fort Rucker Aviation Branch command sergeant major, Col. Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker garrison commander, and Capt. Quan Vu, tax center acting chief of client services, cut the ribbon to officially open the Fort Rucker... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (February 5, 2015) -- Fort Rucker's tax center saved Soldiers and their families more than $370,000 in tax preparation fees last year and a ribbon cutting ceremony opened the door to a new season of savings Jan. 30.

Col. Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker garrison commander, marked the occasion with a simple question.

"How many of you, when you do your taxes this year, in addition to whatever you get back, would like to get an extra $100-500 with your tax return?" he said. "That's really, in essence, what this service provides.

"Last year, we had over 1,800 returns filed by this tax center," he added. "The center saved roughly $371,000 in tax preparation fees for the various forms filed. That is a significant amount of money people save by utilizing this service."

People must have a valid military ID in order to take advantage of the services provided at the tax center. Soldiers on Reserve status must be on Title-10 orders and bring their call-to-active duty orders in order to use the center.

McRae continued to praise the tax center and its service to Soldiers, urging everyone in attendance to spread the word about its opening.

"This is a great deal," he said. "Last year, this center helped Soldiers get over $2.5 million in refunds. That is a significant amount. So, we need to beat the streets and get the word out to everyone about this great service.

"As long as I can, I will continue to keep this program going," he added. "I will continue to beat the drum wherever I am that the income continues to fund this program, because it is hugely beneficial to our Soldiers."

The tax center is an invaluable resource, but the facility can't provide services for businesses or anyone with more than one rental property. However, most simple tax returns shouldn't be a problem.

Col. Andras M. Marton, Fort Rucker Staff Judge Advocate, praised the benefits of the tax center and saluted everyone involved in bringing it to fruition this season.

"This is a great event for us, it is a great event for Fort Rucker and it is a great event for our community," he said. "As you know, the budgets are tight with the federal government. This service the tax center provides is basically a luxury for our Soldiers, our retirees and their families.

"It is just so wonderful to be able to provide this, yet again, this year at full capacity," he added. "And, hopefully, set the stage for us to continue to provide this long into the future."

The tax center is open, by appointment, Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Bldg. 5700, Rm. 371F.

This year, the tax center also offers a drop-off tax service for single Soldiers. Single Soldiers can come in and drop off their 2014 income tax paperwork, and return in 48 hours to go over their complete return with a tax representative. Soldiers must return between the hours of 9-11 a.m., Mondays-Fridays, for their returns.

Single Soldiers who wish to utilize the drop-off service must have a simple return with no more than two W-2 forms. For more information on drop-off services, call 255-2937 or 255-2938.

When visiting the tax center, people should remember to bring all tax forms, including all valid military ID cards; Social Security cards; all W-2s and wage and earning statements; 1099-R for pensions and retirements; 1098 for interest statements regarding tuitions, student loans, mortgages, etc.; a copy of the previous year's return if available; power of attorney papers if available; 1099-G forms for gambling winnings, unemployment compensations, etc.; and 1099-MISC for payments received for non-employment compensation.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 255-2937 or 255-2938.

Related Links:

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence