OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 2020 tax filing season begins Jan.27, so now is the time to gather all of the required documents. Once you’ve found them, the Offutt Tax Center is available to help you properly prepare and file your 2019 income tax return.
The service is free for all enlisted ranks, officers O-3 and below, retired members age 65 and older, disabled members with 50% or greater rating and income less than $80,000, retired National Guard and reserve members age 65 or older, and all members deploying or returning from deployment. Surviving spouses as well as their ID-carrying family members are also be eligible.
Tax assistance will only be provided to National Guard and reserve members in the previously listed ranks who are on active duty orders, or to members who have been released from active duty or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days, issued under mobilization authority.
If filing a joint tax return electronically, both members must be present with a photo ID. Spouses of deployed personnel may file on behalf of their spouse with a Power of Attorney or a signed Form 2848, IRS Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. This form is available at the tax center or online at www.irs.gov. Additionally, social security cards must be provided for everyone listed on the return.
The tax center will accept prepared tax forms for electronic filing. However, they will only prepare returns for one rental property and will only assist with small business returns for members with on-base home daycares. Additionally, the center will not prepare returns with a K-1 Form 1065 or a K-1 Form 1120S, Partners Share of Income form.
Members seeking assistance should call 294-3759 to schedule an appointment. Tax Center hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday – Thursday, and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Fridays. The center is located in the basement of the Offutt Law Center and will be open throughout tax season from Jan. 27 - April 15.
To help expedite appointments, customers should visit https://www.offutt.af.mil/Units/55th-Wing/55th-Wing-Staff-Agencies/55th-Wing-Law-Center/ to print a list of what to bring to their tax appointment and to fill out the Statement of Understanding and 2019 intake sheet.