FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, along with Fort Irwin Garrison leadership, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony here Jan. 23 marking the opening of the Fort Irwin Tax Center, which is now offering free tax preparation for military personnel and their dependents.
Every year the Fort Irwin Tax Center provides professional tax preparation service at no charge and has saved thousands of dollars in tax preparation fees.
“This is a great, valuable service. If you don’t know taxes, it can be extremely stressful,” said Col. Seth Krummrich, Fort Irwin Garrison Commander. “The service that the team can provide here is phenomenal. Last year alone they saved over $127,800 in tax preparation fees.”
Tax services are available to active-duty military personnel from all services (including Army Reserves and National Guard on orders for 30 days or more), military retirees and their dependents.
However, the tax center is prohibited from processing:
1) More than three rental properties owned.
2) Private business activities.
3) Lack of necessary supporting documentation, including: Social Security cards for all involved, W-2s, 1099s, bank account information, and powers of attorney (POA) – the IRS Form 2848, a general POA or special POA authorizing the filing of taxes on behalf of a spouse.
The tax center is located at Bldg. 230 on the corner of C Avenue and Third Street, and is operated by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Legal Assistance Office. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday and select Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until the closing date of April 18. The tax center is the only place on post that provides free tax preparation by Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board trained and certified staff.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for tax center assistance or have any other tax-related questions, call the Fort Irwin Tax Center at 760-380-1040. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are strongly preferred and can be made by calling 760-380-1040.
