Tax season is here: Where are you filing taxes?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Tax season has arrived, and you may not have to go far to file. Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson both offer free tax services for individuals that meet the proper criteria.

After filing 1,440 tax returns last year, Elmendorf's tax center is ready and expects about the same number of returns this year. They will be open Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m.-noon and customers can call 552-3832 to schedule a sit-down appointment.

Elmendorf's tax center will be offering a drop-off service as well this year. Customers can bring in their W-2 forms, other tax documents, a copy of their social security card along with their dependents social security cards, fill out a questionnaire and drop their information off. Elmendorf representatives will be stand by to assist and will call the customers back within 24 hours to tell them know the status of their taxes.

All taxes will be filed electronically and returns can be expected within two to three weeks.

"Anything you think is tax appropriate just bring it in," said Rebecca McClung, 3rd Wing Legal Office. "We'll determine whether or not we can use it."

As for Fort Richardson, where 1,657 returns were filed last year, customers can schedule appointments anytime from Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday from 1-8 p.m. by calling 384-1040. Customers can either file their taxes electronically or by hard copy. If e-filed, they can expect their return within seven to 14 days and if filed by hard copy then they can expect their return within six to eight weeks. 

Before arriving to the tax centers customers must to have all their W-2 forms, 1099's, 1098's, copy of last year's taxes, routing and account information, (direct deposits can be made in up to three separate accounts) social security cards, closing documents, (for first time home buyers) and proof of a new taxed automobile purchase. Customers should also bring in anything else they think is necessary.

The deadline to file taxes is April 15, 2010.