Fort Belvoir Tax Center prepares for filing season

By Andrew SharbelFebruary 1, 2010

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Fort Belvoir's Tax Center opens Monday to allow military personnel and their families to file their 2009 taxes.

This year's center is in the Community Center near Pence Gate.

Christa Lacy, Tax Center site coordinator, said there are several good reasons to use the tax center.

"One of the major benefits of our tax center is it is a free service to all those who use it," Lacy said. "All of the filings will be done electronically. Cardholders should receive their returns in their bank accounts in 10 to 14 days.

"We use an Internal Revenue Service military-friendly program and it helps to get the most eligible credits back and deductions for the tax payer," Lacy said.

Lacy noted there are several new things to look for when paying this year's taxes.

"The IRS has reinstituted the energy-efficient credit; so, if people have purchased energy-efficient appliances, they can get a credit for that," Lacy said. "If they are first-time home buyers, they are eligible for up to an $8,000 credit.

"For retirees, they may be eligible for an $800 'Making You Work' credit. There is also a sales excise tax deduction for car buyers," Lacy said. "This program we use is pretty good at picking up any new programs military personnel can be eligible for."

Services are available to all military ID card holders.

Trained volunteers and servicemembers will work at the center.

"Personnel in the center are trained to probe and try to find out their customers' situations so they can get what they are entitled to, tax-wise," Lacy said.

According to Lacy, customers need to bring the proper paperwork when they come for their appointment. A list of the necessary paperwork is available from belvoir.army.mil/sja/newsite/taxCenter.asp.

Tax Center hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Monday through Thursday, the center will take appointments only. Walk-ins are accepted Fridays.

Tax Center services run through April 30.

The Tax Center's phone number is 703-805-8471.