Free tax assistance available to Hanscom community

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  For many individuals, beginning a new year means an opportunity to revive self-improvement efforts and set new goals. In addition to launching a variety of resolutions, the arrival of the new year also signals the beginning of tax season. A number of free tax services are available to members of the Hanscom community, ranging from return preparation assistance to filing.

The Retiree Activities Office offers free tax return preparation assistance and filing for active-duty servicemembers, reservists, retirees and Defense Department civilians preparing their own tax returns. The hours are: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Assistance is available on a walk-in basis only; appointments are not available. For more information call (781) 377-2476.

The Internal Revenue Service's Web site 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. In addition, members who made $56,000 or less in adjusted gross income for 2009 may qualify for the site's Free File electronic service.

Military OneSource is providing tax consultation and online filing services, as well as access to H&R Block's At Home Basic online program, for free to active-duty, Reserve and National Guard servicemembers and their families. The At Home program helps individuals prepare and electronically file federal and state tax returns and is accessible through the Military OneSource Web site, www.militaryonesource.com. 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.)