Base Tax Center gets your money back

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Team Barksdale members may have their taxes filed for free at the Base Tax Center here from now until April 17.

Tax professionals and volunteer Airmen offer tax services to all base personnel, including retirees and dependents.

"I volunteered for it when it was offered," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Darrow, 2nd Communications Squadron cable and antenna technician. "We offer tax services to those who may not have the proper knowledge of tax law."

Darrow went through a course that taught him and other volunteers how to properly prepare taxes. The course included a computer lab and instructional time preparing volunteers for the entire process.

According to Darrow, the tax center already helped more than 200 personnel since it opened Jan. 17. They expect to see at least 1,800 personnel, as that's how many were helped last tax season.

"This service gives us an excellent opportunity for members to have their tax returns done professionally and accurately for no fee," said Lt. Col. Aaron Smith, Air Force Global Strike Command  Nuclear C3 Division deputy chief. "I saved around $270 doing it here as opposed to doing it downtown."

Some of the biggest perks the Base Tax Center has to offer are its availability to military personnel, its hours and the fact that it is free of charge, Smith said.

"I used it last year and had a good experience," he said. "My tax returns were very detailed and difficult last year. The tax center personnel were very knowledgeable and able to file it with no issues."

The personnel at the tax center are specifically trained on military tax law, according to Darrow.

"We have references for all states, so we can serve everyone on base," he said. "We have information on tax exemptions and deployment income."

Their expertise has helped base personnel who have very complicated tax returns, Darrow added.

"We see a mix of young Airmen, higher-ups and retirees," he said. "All of our customers are happy to come in here."

The tax center is located in trailer 4561 across the street from the dental clinic. It is open for appointment only 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Walk-in hours are 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information and appointments call 456-4765.