Free tax preparation help available Published Jan. 25, 2007 SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Tax season is here and the Shaw Tax Center, with help from the 20th Fighter Wing Legal Office, is ready to help Shaw members prepare and, if needed, electronically file their personal federal tax returns free of charge. This free tax preparation is available to all Shaw ID cardholders, said Edward Joyce, 20th Fighter Wing Legal Office coordinator and head of the Shaw Tax Center. All tax center volunteers received Internal Revenue Service training in December to prepare for the center's opening and to ensure they knew the most up-to-date IRS tax information. "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 your mind this tax season," Mr. Joyce said. Walk-in filing service is available for Shaw members with the 1040EZ form, Mr. Joyce said. Those filing the 1040A or 1040 long form must make an appointment. The tax center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mr. Joyce said Shaw members who would like to take advantage of this service should bring the following items with them to the center, regardless of their type of filing: -- A copy of the Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and all dependents -- A voided check if direct deposit is desired -- A form W-2 from each employer; active-duty members may obtain this from www.mypay.dfas.mil -- Child care expense information: the name, Social Security Number or employment ID number, and address of the provider -- Supporting documentation of any additional sources of income, such as sales of stocks, bonds or other income sources The tax center provides a cost-efficient alternative to having taxes prepared and filed at a tax preparation center downtown, said Tech. Sgt. Sandra Lewandowski, 9th Air Force Legal Office paralegal and tax center volunteer. Some people pay up to $100 to have their taxes prepared. "We offer the tax center as a way to help Airmen save money," Sergeant Lewandowski said. The tax center is not able to assist business owners with tax preparation due to legal constraints, Sergeant Lewandowski said. (Courtesy of the 20th Fighter Wing Legal Office)