Legal office helps Laughlin members during tax season

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jonathan Fernandez
  • 47 FTW Staff Judge Advocate
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Beginning Jan. 22, the 47 FTW Legal Office will be available to help military members file their 2007 tax returns. Free H&R Block TaxCut software is now available to military members online through Military One Source (www.militaryonesource.com). You can use the software from home, at work, or in one of the legal office's two tax kiosks. Walk-ins are welcome daily from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for anyone wishing to use the tax kiosks. Appointments are also available from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for those filing the 1040EZ and 1040A. If you need to file the 1040 long form, you are welcome to use the tax kiosks, however, there will be limited on-site assistance for complicated tax questions. Unfortunately, the free H&R Block TaxCut software is not available to DoD civilians or retirees because Military One Source is only available to active duty, Guard, Reserve and their families.

In order to make each return as accurate as possible there are several documents you will need to have at hand when preparing your return:

· Your W-2 Form, Wage and Tax Statement. (You need W-2s for both you and your spouse if you are filing jointly.) Please note that your "Leave and Earnings Statement" CANNOT be used to process your tax return.
· IRS Form 1099 Record of Interest Payment.
· Forms 1098 (Home Mortgage Interest).
· Social Security Numbers for all dependents.
· Records and receipts from child care and educational expenses paid last year.
· Individual Retirement Account statements.
· Bank statements containing mortgage interest payment information.
· Copy of a voided check (for direct deposit option).
· Other financial records which you believe to be relevant to your tax situation.

For those members of our community who expect to be deployed or on temporary duty during this time, you may fill out a IRS Form 2848 Power of Attorney. This form allows an appointed person to file your return and does not require a notary.

If you chose to prepare your taxes at home this year, all tax forms and instruction pamphlets are available online at the IRS home page (http://www.irs.gov). Also, the 2007 IRS Tax Guide for Individuals (Publication 17) is available to supplement the information in your tax form instruction booklet. Publication 17 gives a complete summary of nearly every tax issue in easily-understood terms.

The legal offices are located in the Wing Headquarters building. For additional assistance or more information you may contact 2nd Lt. Jonathan Fernandez at ext. 5172