Offutt Tax Center changes services for the 2017 tax season

As tax season approaches the Offutt Tax Center is preparing for a busy tax season and wants customers to be aware of changes in service offerings.

The Offutt Tax Center is located in the basement of the 55^th Wing Legal Office. The waiting area is in the hallway; with this in mind we are asking that no children be brought to the tax appointment.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which runs the Offutt Tax Center providing FREE tax advice, preparation, and assistance to military members and their dependents, has seen significant changes this year.  Because of IRS-mandated changes, complexity of tax returns and limited volunteer staff there will be several changes to the service provided at the tax center. We will serve active duty members E-6 and below, O-2 and below, National Guard and Reserve members in the same grades; must be on Title 10/32 orders, retired members (including Guard and Reserve) 65 and older, deplorers, surviving spouses as well as ID carrying family members of the above.

We will no longer prepare returns with rental properties, small businesses, or K-1’s Form 1065 and Form 1120S.  

For the 2017 tax season the taxpayer and spouse are required to be present to begin the return. We are required to verify the identity of the taxpayers prior to beginning the return. We are requiring the taxpayers to bring a photo ID, social security cards or a copy of the cards for everyone on the tax return, and last year’s tax return with them to their tax appointments.

We understand that the “Out of Scope” items, will affect some of our client’s and we regret the inconvenience this will cause, but there are many forms we can still help the military community with and we will strive to make this tax year as painless as possible. See list of “Out of Scope” items at http://www.offutt.af.mil/Units/55thWingLawCenter.aspx