Many methods available for filing taxes

  • Published
  • By U.S. Navy Airman Jeri Moore
  • Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The annual tax season that lasts from January until April 15, is nothing new for most people; however, for some, this is the first time that they will be doing their own taxes.

With all of the options available to today's service member, how could anything be less confusing?

Military One Source is a great resource for those just starting out with doing taxes or those already familiar with this yearly occurrence.

On January 18, Military One Source will offer online tax filing and tax consultations by phone all free to the service member. Other tax filing resource information can be found as well as recommendations on the best way to spend your hard earned tax refund.

H&R Block is the most popular online method of tax filing used by the service members asked during a recent 36th Wing Public Affairs poll. Most find it simple, to the point, and most importantly free! If you decide that this is the method you want to use, then click on the link in the Military One Source site. To use H&R Block from their web site will cause you to create a public account, rather than the custom-made for the military version located on militaryonesource.com.

Taxslayer.com came in as a close second. Like H&R Block, it's free for the military, and fairly simple to use. A wizard assists users in filing out the needed information, and you can read the feedback from some of the previous customers.

There will always be people who prefer to do face-to-face filing, so good news! On February 1, the Andersen Tax Center will open for all military personnel, and eligible Guam residents. The Tax Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feel free to call 966-4TAX (4829) for an appointment. If you decide to walk-in, then you can find the center in Building 21000 on the left of the Bank of Guam. Walk-ins are on a space available basis.

Please bring your tax forms, social security cards or taxpayer's identification cards for you and your dependants, a voided check for electronic refunds, and a special power of attorney if needed, with a photo id.

All of these programs simplify a once dreaded time of year and help to ensure that you get every dollar you deserve. So don't wait until the midnight hour to do it.