Law office to provide free tax services

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Volunteers working alongside the base legal office will provide tax services for Airmen, their dependents, civilian workers and retirees for free from Jan. 21 until April 15.

With the upcoming tax season, nearly everyone will be required to file their taxes, and many people hoping for a return.
"The tax center will create tax returns both at federal and state level," said Capt. Patrick Milott, 2nd Bomb Wing assistant staff judge advocate.

Barksdale's tax center helped Airmen, their families, government workers and retirees receive around $3 million in tax returns last year and saved their customers around $357,000 in tax preparation fees.

In order to provide the best service possible, Milott recommends bringing all related financial documents, not just the W-2.

"If there's any question of if you should bring a certain document, bring it just in case," Milott said. "That way, you can get your taxes done the first time you visit as opposed to having to go back for that one document you weren't sure about."

Milott also advises bringing a blank check if the customer would like their tax return direct-deposited.

"If you've paid out-of-pocket for classes you've taken this year, bring your 1098-T form and all your bank account information," said Senior Airman Danny Riddlespriger, 2nd Bomb Wing adverse actions paralegal.

Customers are also advised to bring other items such as charitable donation receipts, stocks or dividends.

Riddlespriger is thankful for the volunteers who make the tax preparation process smoother for the law office.

"We have more than 30 volunteers at this point," Riddlespriger said. "Without the volunteers, we wouldn't be able to come close to doing the number of returns that are done each year. [They] drive this program."

Walk-in appointments will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Appointment times will be available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 until 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact the tax center at 456-4765.

The free tax service will be available in building Trailer 4561 adjacent to the 2nd Dental Squadron .