Aviano kicks off tax season

  • Published
  • By 31st Fighter Wing legal office
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  Tax season is underway and W-2s are now available on the myPay Web site.
Of interest to some Airmen is their possible eligliblity for a tax filing extension.

"While stationed overseas, people can qualify for a 60-day extension on filing taxes, but they must apply for the extension," said Capt. Tyson Kindness, 31st Fighter Wing assistant staff judge advocate. "However, the extension is not granted if you owe. If you owe, it is still due by April 15."

Those who are currently in a combat zone also qualify for a tax extension.

"People in a combat zone automatically get a 180-day extension on filing and paying," Captain Kindness said. "The extension starts from the day you return. When you file, you have to write 'combat zone' on the cover."

A listing of eligible combat zones can be found at www.irs.gov.

Those who don't qualify for a tax extension can use one of the many free resources available to servicemembers.

"Military One Source has introduced TaxCut Basic Online by H & R Block - free to active duty, Guard, and Reserve servicemembers and their families," Captain Kindness said. "It's one-stop shopping for preparing and filing your federal and state income taxes, but in order to use the program, you must meet the eligibility criteria and be a registered member of militaryonesource.com."

Captain Kindness said the registration process is free and, after registering, people will be required to complete a survey assessing their tax needs. The program then selects the tax forms needed and automatically performs calculations.

"Some of the key advantages of using TaxCut Basic Online include: 24/7 assistance from Military OneSource tax consultants by phone and e-mail; and easy to transfer 2005 tax information if you used an H & R Block office, TaxCut Online, TaxCut desktop software or TurboTax software in 2005," Captain Kindness said. "But most importantly, the program will guide you through the required forms and documentation and ask you tax relevant questions about issues like deployment and relocation."

The Internal Revenue Service also offers a free tax service called Free File for those who qualify.

"Free File allows taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $52,000 or less in 2006 to e-file their federal tax returns for free," Captain Kindness said. "That means nearly 70 percent of all taxpayers in the U.S. can use this free service."

Captain Kindness said before using Free File, people must review the tax software company's criteria to confirm eligibility for e-fileling federal returns.

"Some companies offer free state tax return preparation and e-filing," he said. "But others may charge a fee for preparing state tax returns."

Additionally, each squadron will have tax representatives available to help people file their taxes.

"Even though taxes aren't due until April 15, you should develop and execute a plan now so you don't find yourself scrambling at the last minute," Captain Kindness said.
For more tax information, visit www.irs.gov or contact the legal office at Ext. 7843.