Get help with filing taxes

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  After a long, cold and snowy winter, New Englanders are looking forward to warmer weather and getting outdoors. However, it also means the tax filing deadline is approaching on April 18. The date was extended this year from April 15 because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia.

For the Hanscom community, the Retiree Activities Office offers free tax return preparation assistance and filing for active duty service members, reservists, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and contractors working on base. The hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about this service, call 781-377-2476.

In addition, the Internal Revenue Service's website has a military tax information section containing military provisions and benefits information, free preparation opportunities and frequently asked questions. To access this information, visit www.irs.gov/individuals/military/index.html.

Military OneSource is also a great source for help with taxes. The website, www.militaryonesource.com, provides information on tax consultation and online filing services, as well as access to H&R Block's At Home Basic online program.

The At Home Basic program is free for active duty, reserve and National Guard service members and their families. The program helps individuals prepare and electronically file federal and state tax returns and is accessible by visiting the Military OneSource site. After selecting a branch of service on the home page, military members or their families can select the "tax filing services" link in the upper right corner of the page. More complicated returns can incur charges if they require an upgrade to the At Home Premium product.

The site also contains tax planning and preparation resources. Participants can speak with a Military OneSource tax consultant for tax-related questions or help using the H&R Block At Home Basic product. For more information, call (800) 730-3802.

Editor's note: This information is being provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Air Force of the entity, product or service.