Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. –
With tax season underway, legal personnel opened the doors to two tax centers at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 1, 2016.
The free tax service, which aims to aid U.S. Service members, navigates forms and figures to ensure JBLE community members receive the biggest refund possible.
"Our goal at the Tax Center is to provide a service to our Airmen, Soldiers and their dependents, because they give so much to this country," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua L. Hall, JBLE tax center officer in charge. "This is a little way of giving back."
The Tax Center, which employs more than 30 Airmen, U.S. Army Soldiers and civilian volunteers, operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through April 15, 2016.
Appointments are open to junior-enlisted Airmen, company grade officers and their dependents. Retirees may also utilize appointments, but space is limited. The center will also offer walk-in kiosks for all other JBLE community members.
"We highly encourage [Service members], their dependents and our retirees to take advantage of the benefits that the Tax Center has to offer," said Hall. "While we aim to help junior Airmen first, we want to help as many JBLE community members as possible."
Hall said the Tax Center processed more than 1,600 returns in 2015, which rendered more than $3 million in refunds and saved clients more than $500,000 last year in filing fees.
Volunteers at the Tax Center put in more than 50 hours of training to become certified through the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, said Hall.
"Our volunteers have been invaluable to the Tax Center," said Hall. "We can't thank our volunteers enough for the amount of work they put in."
With support from its volunteers, the Tax Center reduces the stress of taxes and keeps the Airmen focused on the mission, said Staff Sgt. Timothy J. Lewis, JBLE Tax Center noncommissioned officer in charge
"This program is a way for the Air Force to give [Service members] peace of mind so that they can focus on the mission," said Lewis.
Customers are reminded to bring their W-2's, 1099's, Social Security cards, direct deposit information, a copy of last year's return and all other appropriate documents.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Langley center at (757) 225-5777, and the Fort Eustis Tax Center at (757) 878-2343.