Since the new year has officially begun it is time go over all of the services the Fort Knox Tax Center will be providing this tax season. Regardless of which services are chosen, it is essential that the customer come prepared and bring with them all the necessary tax documents to complete their return.
New this year is the Tax Center's drop- off option for Soldiers, Family members and retirees who qualify for filing individual tax returns on IRS Form 1040EZ. This service will allow tax filers to drop off their tax return documents at the tax center and return 48 hours later to sign the completed forms. The purpose of introducing this new option is to provide greater flexibility to individuals who have difficulty scheduling an hour-long appointment during normal operating hours. Simply put, the Tax Center understands the busy schedules Soldiers face, and the center is actively looking for new ways to provide quality services in the most convenient manner possible.
Among other things, in order to qualify for a 1040EZ, the tax filer can't itemize deductions or claim any adjustments to income or tax credits (except for the Earned Income Credit), and they can't have any income from self-employment, alimony, dividends or capital gains. The list below will serve as a helpful tool for individuals wishing to know if they qualify for a 1040EZ filing. An 1040EZ can be filed if the answer is "yes" to all of the following:
1. Taxable income is less than $100,000
2. Filing status is single or married filing joint
3. Claim no dependents
4. The tax filer and their spouse are filing jointly, were under age 65 Jan. 1 and not blind at the end of the tax year for which they are filing
5. Income is only from wages, salaries, tips, taxable scholarship and fellowship grants, unemployment compensation or Alaska Permanent Fund dividends
6. Taxable interest is $1,500 or less
7. Earned tips (if any) are included in boxes 5 and 7 or the Form W-2
8. Do not owe any household employment taxes on wages paid to a household employee
9. Are not a debtor in Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filed after Oct. 16, 2005.
Again, in order to qualify for this new drop-off option, the tax filer needs to meet all of these requirements.
For any tax return, Social Security cards are required documents for all taxpayers and their dependents. When filing taxes bring Social Security cards of everyone whose name is going to be on the tax return--the filer, spouse, children and anyone else claiming as a dependent. If any of these people do not have their Social Security cards, a replacement may be obtained by visiting the local Social Security Administration office. They can mail a replacement card in just a couple of days. If the tax filer or any of their dependents do not have a Social Security number, they must have a document showing their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Finally, bring all tax documents to the appointment. This includes any official forms received evidencing income, interest paid, received, canceled debt or any other financial event (generally W-2s, 1098s and 1099s). Be especially mindful of any interest statements from financial institutions (1099-INT), as forgetting to include interest income--even just a few dollars' worth--is among the most common reasons taxpayers have to amend their taxes.
In addition, if the tax filer has any income from sources for which they did not receive a tax form, or if they are itemizing deductions, taking specific credits or deductions, make sure all documents are available during the appointment.
One common issue for taxpayers is having the correct power of attorney. For anyone who is filing a joint tax return on behalf of their spouse, they must have a POA from their spouse that specifically authorizes them to prepare this year's tax returns. Make sure that the POA specifies the power to file 2016 taxes. The Tax Center does not accept the POA that is available on the IRS website because it does not have a place to be notarized. The Tax Center can only accept notarized POAs.
This policy is in place to prevent fraud and protect taxpayers. Check the POA to make sure it is sufficient. If a tax filer needs a new POA, the Legal Assistance Office offers them on a walk-in basis. It should be noted that the individual giving the power to sign on their behalf must be present to sign the POA at the time of issuance.
The Tax Center can only complete and file tax returns if all the required documents are with the tax filer. If something is missing, the tax filer will have to reschedule their appointment entirely or return at a later date to provide the missing documentation required to finish their return. Even though the Tax Center prepared a return in a prior year, the tax filer isn't exempt from providing IDs and Social Security cards this year.
If there are questions about what documents are needed or to schedule an appointment, call the
Tax Center at (502) 624-3909/0044 starting the week of Jan. 15. The Tax Center accepts walk-ins on a space available basis, but appointments are strongly encouraged to reduce wait time.
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