Tax Center opens for business; ready to save customers thousands in tax prep fees

By Sarah J. Schmidt, USAG Schinnen Public AffairsFebruary 2, 2010

Tax Team
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SCHINNEN, Netherlands - Money doesn't grow on trees, but the tax professionals at USAG Schinnen's Tax Center can help you find it in places you might not expect. The Tax Center opened for business here with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Feb. 2.

Last year, Schinnen's Tax Center helped military personnel claim nearly $900,000 in federal tax refunds and save more than $60,000 in tax preparation fees. To get some of that action this year, military personnel need an appointment with one of the specialists at the Tax Center.

All the volunteers and specialists at Schinnen's Tax Center are certified to prepare taxes by the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. "This program ensures that military customers receive free tax assistance from well-trained and equipped military tax preparers," said Capt. Nate Kamotani, Tax Center OIC at the Netherlands Law Center, which houses the Tax Center at USAG Schinnen. The training includes instruction in specific military tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.

The Tax Center also offers electronic filing to make the process more efficient for military personnel. "Taking advantage of the e-file program means you'll likely receive your refund in half the time compared to returns filed on paper," explained Kamotani.

Tax Center services are free to active duty U.S. military service members and DoD civilians, their families; U.S. Reserves and National Guard service members; and eligible retirees. The IRS grants an automatic extension to the Apr. 15 filing deadline for military personnel stationed overseas, giving them until June 15 to file.

"But don't wait until the June deadline," advised Kamotani. "The sooner you file, the sooner you'll receive your refund," he said.

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