Resources available to help reduce tax filing stress

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Many consider tax day, April 15, among the most stressful days of the year. Fortunately for active duty, retirees, Guard and Reserve personnel, tax professionals are available to assist in free tax preparation.

Free federal and state income tax filing assistance is available by appointment at www.massguard.org. The taxpayer will then be prompted to answer questions, intake form and its addendum, then save and print the completed forms. Email the saved forms to massguardtaxprogram@hotmail.com.

Next, the taxpayer will be able to select an assistance location as well as a date and time for the appointment. Select either the Retiree Activities Office or Joint Forces Headquarters of the Army and Air National Guard as an assistance location. Additional locations off base are available and are listed on the website.

Taxpayers must bring the following forms to the scheduled appointment: a government issued photo ID card, the completed forms, a copy of the taxpayer's 2012 tax return, W-2s, 1099s and other income tax related documents.

Further information can be obtained by e-mail at massguardtaxprogram@hotmail.com or by calling 781-225-1360 or 781-225-1310.

Additionally, 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.

Another resource is Military OneSource. They provide 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 website, www.militaryonesource.com.

It is important to note that more complicated returns can incur charges if they require an upgrade to the At Home Premium product.

The Military One Source 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.