Free tax assistance at the Tax Center

Published Jan. 11, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Lindsey A. Beadle

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The deadline for Americans to file their state and federal taxes is just around the corner, and the Tax Center is here to help. Located in the 11th Wing Judge Advocates office at 1535 Command drive, the Tax Center is available to help Department of Defense servicemembers and retirees with state tax preparation and federal tax preparation and filing.

The Tax Center is here to facilitate all those servicemembers who are seeking tax assistance, said Mr. Joseph A. Pollard, 11th Wing Judge advocates office chief of legal assistance.

Officially opening its doors Feb. 7, the Tax Center uses the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to help with the season's large influx of servicemembers seeking guidance while filing their taxes. VITA representatives at the Tax Center are IRS accredited and provide any servicemember with free state tax preparation, free federal tax preparation and federal tax filing assistance. VITA representatives at the Tax Center are also trained and tested through the computer based "Tax Wise" program prior to being employed by the Tax Center.

Before the VITA program came around, squadron commanders used to simply appoint people to prepare taxes within their individual unit, said Mr. Pollard. Now, each squadron has their own highly-trained VITA representatives, which has helped to personalize and accommodate all servicemembers during tax season.

The Tax Center's hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Feb. 7. Squadrons are assigned two VITA representatives and should contact them before making an appointment at the Tax Center.

The Tax Center has been and continues to run effectively through the VITA program, said Pollard. With this program, the center's main goal is to provide effective assistance in preparing federal and state tax returns to all those who choose to utilize the center's services.

For further assistance, call 301-981-2042.