Free Tax Preparation at Fort Myer

By Mr. George Markfelder (JFHQNCR/MDW)February 1, 2011

Free Tax Preparation at Fort Myer
Capt. Jordan Stapley, OIC of the JBMHH Tax Preparation Center, Staff Sgt. John Ahern, Tax Center NCOIC and Col. Corey Bradley, director of the JFHQ NCR/MDW Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, prepare to cut the ribbon to the 2011 JBMHH tax preparatio... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Tax preparation, like most personal services, seems to cost more every year. Not this year! The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Tax Preparation Center is now open for business and the service is free.

The Tax Preparation Center offers FREE income tax preparation to service members, retirees, and their dependents, and is located at Fort Myer, in building 406. The tax preparers are certified by the IRS to prepare individual income taxes and many are also certified to address specific military or international tax issues.

"The average person pays from $150 to $300 per return, and here, we do that service for free," said Staff Sgt. John E. Ahern, Tax Center NCOIC. "Being a tax preparer gives us all a chance to serve our own and save them some money in the process."

Customers can begin making appointments now by calling (703) 696-1040, and may schedule their tax preparation appointment up to two weeks in advance. The center does request that all customers ensure they have all of the following documents available for their appointments, if applicable:

- W-2s

- 1099s

- 1098s

- Social Security cards for you and your dependents

- Birth dates for you and your dependents

- A Power of Attorney (POA), if signing a tax return for somebody else. If you need help preparing a POA, please contact the Legal Assistance Office at (703) 696-0761.

- A copy of your 2009 tax return!

- Copies of court orders for divorce, child custody, and child support

Also, if applicable, bring the following documentation as well:

- Other sources of income

- Childcare costs

- IRA contributions

- Stock, bond, or mutual fund sales

- Alimony paid or received

The center also takes walk-ins, but only for those who will be filing the 1040EZ form. The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also be closed for all federal and training holidays.