2020 version of Fort Knox Tax Center marked by new leader, similar tax season

By Eric Pilgrim | Fort Knox NewsJanuary 22, 2020

2020 version of Fort Knox Tax Center marked by new leader, similar tax season
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2020 version of Fort Knox Tax Center marked by new leader, similar tax season
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

With a quick cut of a ribbon at the door, Fort Knox leaders opened the post's Tax Center Jan. 22.

A crowd gathered in the basement of Building 1310, Pike Hall, listened to some brief remarks by Maj. Gen. John Evans Jr., commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, and watched as leaders gathered around a huge pair of scissors to launch the 2020 tax season.

"I know how intense tax season can be for all of us," said Evans. "As a taxpayer it's intense for me. I can only imagine when you're handling the accounts and the tax returns of folks who are really stressed out about this it can be a pretty trying time."

During last year's tax season, Soldiers prepared nearly 4,000 returns and generated about $4.3 million in tax refunds, saving the Fort Knox community about $700,000 in tax preparation costs.

"That is significant," said Evans. "When you take a look at families, Soldiers, our retiree population; that is a significant cost savings for people who are trying to continue to drive on with their lives."

The center's new officer in charge, Katherine Flowers, said they might exceed that number this year.

"We'll have people coming in from Ohio, from Indiana -- because there are fewer tax centers this year than there were previously," Flowers said.

Flowers said taxpayers can expect few changes from the previous season in filing rules, although the standard deduction can be significantly higher than it has been in 3-4 years.

"This means that people aren't going to have to itemize their deductions as much, so it makes the tax preparation much simpler," said Flowers. "We're also going to be able to get a lot of people the earned income credit because of the way the military pays out and qualifies pays and allowances."

She said they expect about the same percentage of taxpayers to walk in the door as in previous years-- roughly half of them being retirees and the other half being active duty service members. Those who can take advantage of the Tax Center services include National Guardsmen and reservists who have been mobilized for 30 days or more. The service is not available for civilian employees and contractors, unless they are also retirees.

Evans took a moment to salute the team assembled to tackle the thousands of expected returns.

"For the next three months or so as we're doing this, I just want to thank you for those long days you'll have. I want to thank you for the frustration you might experience with some of your clientele," said Evans. "And I want to thank you for stepping up and doing this to continue to help our Soldiers, our families, and our community here at Fort Knox."

During the tax season, the Center will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for appointments only; Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for appointments only; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., for appointments with walk-ins accepted beginning at noon; and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins accepted all day. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 502-624-0044.

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