KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Tax season is here and for members of the 403rd Wing, there are money-saving options and resources to make tax time a little less stressful.
During the Air Force Reserve unit’s March Unit Training Assembly, volunteer income tax assistants qualified by the Internal Revenue Service will be available for free e-filing of income taxes.
Those eligible for the free service expand beyond the 403rd Wing’s reservists to include active duty and National Guard Airmen as well as retirees and Department of Defense civilians.
According to Violet Brantley, Chief, A3T Division 2nd Air Force, and lead point of contact for the service, the volunteers are able to handle anything from simple tax returns to corporate.
The service will be available Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Military and Family Readiness Center in the Levitow Training Support Facility. To schedule an appointment, members can call Brantley at 228-377-3027. Time permitting, walk-ins are also available during those hours.
Members will need to make sure they have all of their documents including W-2s from all jobs worked in 2022, any relevant investment documents, direct deposit information, and their identification card.
For members who aren’t able to make it over to the Levitow building during the UTA weekend, there are opportunities throughout the week through April 18.
The days and times are as follows:
Monday – 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Non-training Fridays – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday –12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Another option for free tax services for members can be found online. The Department of Defense offers MilTax software and support through Military OneSource.
According to their website, the service is free, members just have to have or create a free Military OneSource account. Once signed up, MilTax provides access to the software necessary to file taxes as well as telephone and chat support from tax experts specially trained to handle the unique financial situations military life can create.
In addition to the available consultants, the website also provides links to information and tips for filing taxes.
For more information on available resources to military members and veterans as well as tax rules and benefits specific to certain military situations, visit the IRS.gov Tax filing tips for military service members and veterans fact sheet.