Five things to know about Benelux tax center services in 2019

By Ms. Jessica Marie Ryan (IMCOM Europe)February 8, 2019

SHAPE Tax Center Grand Opening
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Schinnen Tax Center Grand Opening
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- 'Tis the season for filing taxes. For those interested in filing their tax returns through the tax assistance centers at U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, it is important to remember the guidelines for this season's processes.

According to U.S. Army Europe, tax centers re-prioritized services in 2019 and focused assistance on those who make less than $54,000 per year, in accordance with Army regulations and IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance guidelines.

At the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, tax assistance services are provided by Northern Law Center in SHAPE Bldg. 318 and the Netherlands Law Center in Schinnen Bldg. 37. Brussels personnel can seek services through the Northern Law Center on Tuesdays in Brussels Bldg. 4, Room 316.

Tax assistance services are available to U.S. Department of Defense ID cardholders, including active-duty service members, civilian employees, retirees and dependents. For those interested in using the Benelux tax assistance services, they should do the following:

1. Verify eligibility for services.

As stated above, the tax centers will focus on households that make less than $54,000 per year and only one rental property. According to Army. Capt. Brian Wilson, attorney at the Northern Law Center, the limit refers to the amount before adjusted gross income. On W-2 forms, this amount is located in Box 3. Wilson advised that people calculate amounts from all income sources to determine the total amount. When in doubt, contact the tax center at your location. The staff can help with verifying eligibility.

2. Make an appointment.

To ensure customers are receiving adequate time for their counseling sessions, the tax assistance center staff strongly recommended that people call their office during business hours and schedule an appointment. People can reach the tax centers at the following phone numbers:

Northern Law Center (for Brussels, SHAPE and Chièvres Air Base): DSN 314-423-4868/4906 or +32(0)65-44-4868/4906

Netherlands Law Center (for the Tri-Border Community): DSN 314-360-7688 or +31(0)46-443-7683

During the appointment, people will complete an in-take form and then meet with the tax center staff to assess their information and begin the filing process. After the return is finalized by the staff, people will sign the return before it is sent to the IRS.

3. Be prepared by having all the right documentation.

One of the biggest delays in filing taxes happens when people do not bring the right documentation to their appointment, according to the tax center staff. People should receive all forms such as the W-2, 1099-R and 1095 from their employer or retrieve them from the MyPay website. Other necessary documents such as forms for education credit and mortgage interest will come from the servicing provider. If you believe that you are missing documents for your tax return, please contact the servicing provider.

Wilson also pointed out that people should consider other tax deductible items such as moving expenses, childcare and donations. He recommended to bring all documents to the appointment, even if you doubt that they are tax deductible. Another good document to bring is your previous year's tax return.

4. Bring your social security cards and a voided check.

A requirement for the U.S. Army Europe tax centers is that people bring social security cards for all people claimed on the tax return. If someone does not have a social security card, such as non-resident aliens, the person should have a tax ID number.

Another required document is a voided check for processing a direct deposit for the current year's submission.

5. Remember the deadline.

While April 15 is the final day to file taxes, U.S. personnel who are stationed overseas get an automatic two-month extension, making June 15 the final date for submitting tax returns. Wilson, however, warned that there was a caveat for those who file after April 15.

"In the event that you owe taxes and you file after April 15, the U.S. government will put a penalty or interest on the amount due," said Wilson. "It's always best to submit your tax return before April 15 to avoid possible penalties."

For those who need to request an extension to file after June 15, they will need to complete and submit a form 4868 to the IRS. More information is on the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov.

When in doubt, the tax assistance center staff is there to help out. For more information, contact the tax center at your location.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Are you looking for something interesting and rewarding to do for professional development while you are here in Belgium? Be a tax center volunteer! The Northern Law Center and Netherlands Law Center staff members are looking for volunteers to support their tax assistance centers this season. This is a great opportunity to gain technical and practical experience in tax preparation and customer service! For more information, contact the tax assistance center at your location.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Europe

USAG Benelux Facebook