Shaw Tax Center Published Jan. 5, 2009 By Mr. Edward Joyce 20th Fighter Wing Legal Office SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Income tax season is right around the corner. While most cherish tax time about as much as a traffic jam, some at Shaw really enjoy the tax assistance program. The 20th Fighter Wing Legal Office, along with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) representatives, will provide free tax help to include electronic filing, for active duty members, their families and retirees. Although the concept of federal income taxes can be intimidating, over 25 volunteers from Shaw attended Internal Revenue Training in December. This training ensures that our volunteers have the most up-to-date IRS changes to better assist taxpayers. The volunteers are trained on topics such as the Earned Income Credit, Additional Child Credit, various tax deductions and other important financial aspects that may be on one's mind this tax season. The Tax Center, located in the Community Center will open on Jan 20. The Tax Center offers walk-in filing service for filers of the 1040EZ form. Anyone filing a 1040A or 1040 long form will need to schedule an appointment, by calling 895-8780. Appointments times are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are also squadron tax representatives available to assist filers. There are a few important documents needed to file a tax return. Some of the most common are: · A copy of Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents. · A voided check or bank routing/account number for direct deposit of the tax return. · Form W-2 from each employer. Active duty members may obtain this from www.mypay.dfas.mil · Childcare/ Daycare expense information, including name, Social Security number, and address of the Childcare provider. · Amount of Stimulus payment received in 2008. Supporting documentation must be provided of additional sources of income, such as sales of stocks, to prepare an accurate return. One way to decrease waiting time is to take advantage of the Tax Center's free electronic filing program. By simply bringing a voided check to the Tax Center when filing, taxpayers can choose any checking account, regardless of location, to have their return deposited into. VITA reps can track the status of income tax filing with the mere click of a button. For more information, call Mr. Lee Joyce at 895-1560 or at 895-8780 after the Tax Center opens.