JBM-HH Consolidated Tax Center finishes 2015 season

By Guv Callahan, Pentagram Staff WriterApril 30, 2015

JBM-HH Consolidated Tax Center finishes 2015 season
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (back row, center), commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, presents certificates of appreciation to the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Cons... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center wrapped another tax season with a ceremony on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base April 27.

The 2015 tax season marked the first year that the consolidated tax center was operational, combining the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall tax centers into one convenient location for customers.

Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan said the tax center had a record year, processing and filing 3,400 tax returns, securing more than $4.5 million in refunds and saving customers a total of $570,000 in tax preparation fees.

During remarks at the start of the ceremony, Buchanan thanked the tax center team - Soldiers, Marines and Department of Defense civilians - for working hard together to complete the mission.

He was also pleased that the Army and the Marine Corps were able to collaborate and launch the consolidated location during the 2015 season.

"This year was the first time we were able to actually come together and do it as a team, and I think it worked out great," he said. "From my perspective, when your two elements came together, I think you were both more efficient and effective. That's what joint basing is supposed to be all about.

"What we need to do, to the extent that we can, is pool our resources together and figure out how to bring the best of both worlds - or all worlds - to the benefit of our Soldiers, Marines and family members. You all did that."

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the center's tax preparers and its leadership team.

After the awards, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Anthony S. Barnes also thanked the team and commended them for finding common ground to get the job done.

"I promise you we will always be the best, just like we are here today, when we work together," he said.