Free tax preparation services for Warriors of the North Published Jan. 23, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Pennington 319th Air Refueling Wing Legal Office GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The base tax center will be available to assist most active duty servicemembers, dependents and retirees prepare and electronically file their tax returns at no cost. The tax center will be open from Tuesday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Feb. 3. Please call 747- 7TAX (747-7829) during those hours to set up an appointment. Some 1040EZ filers may even be eligible to have their returns prepared without an appointment or lengthy interview. Please call ahead during our duty hours for details. Internal Revenue Service statistics show that military tax assistance centers consistently score better on tax return accuracy and have lower e-file rejection rates than commercial sites. To ensure a positive experience at the tax center, the judge advocate general's school suggests the following list of tax tips: 1. Electronic filing has proven to be best! It is fast, easy and accurate. E-file checks for errors and necessary information, increasing the accuracy of your return and reducing the need for correspondence with the IRS to clarify errors or omissions. Generally, when you use e-file, your refund will be issued in about half the time it would take if you filed a paper return. Those who choose direct deposit will get their refund in even less time. You can even file your return early but wait to pay any balance due by the April deadline. 2. Choose the simplest federal tax form for your needs. The three forms used for filing individual federal income tax returns are Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A and Form 1040. If you are filing a federal income tax return on paper, use the simplest form you can to reduce the chance of an error that may cost you money or delay the processing of your return. 3. Deployment extensions: The deadline for filing tax returns, paying taxes, filing claims for refund and taking other actions with the IRS is automatically extended if you are serving in a combat zone. These rules apply to your stateside spouse as well, if you will be filing a joint return. 4. Don't extend unless absolutely necessary. Just because you can extend the filing of your tax return does not make it a good idea. If you are due a refund, Uncle Sam will pay you a modest interest rate on returns filed under these provisions, but wouldn't you rather have the money now? 5. Signing joint returns. A spouse can file a joint return without the necessity of the service member's signature using an IRS power of attorney (Form 2848). These returns can be e-filed, but the tax preparer will need to attach the power of attorney and send it to the IRS. 6. Special combat zone tax benefits regarding earned income tax credit, IRAs, Thrift Savings Plan contributions and Reservists. Most retirement contributions will be treated differently while in the combat zone (and regular contribution limits don't apply). Reserve personnel receiving compensation from their civilian employer ("differential pay") in particular need to consult IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide, to ensure they understand their tax liability. Our Tax Assistance Program squarely supports our JAG Corps mission of delivering full spectrum legal capabilities to the warfighter. As we ramp up for a robust tax season, we ask for your patience during our busiest days. Typically, the first two weeks of February are extremely busy at the tax center. The majority of our volunteers are active duty Air Force members and mission requirements drive their availability. During exercises, we anticipate to be at minimum manning, which also leads to longer wait times. The Grand Forks AFB tax center volunteers will assist you in submitting the most accurate return as possible; however, you must ensure you have all required documents at the time of filing. We highly encourage single Airmen filing the 1040EZ to use our drop-off service. We will provide you a questionnaire, collect your W-2, prepare your return and call you when it is finished. We stand ready to assist you with your tax filing needs and only ask for your patience and understanding during the next few busy weeks. To schedule an appointment, please call 747- 7TAX (747-7829).