CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan -- The tax center here will open for all active duty service members, their families and Department of Defense employees starting Feb. 1.

This free service, designed for Marines, government employees and their families, provides an opportunity for taxpayers to take advantage of having their taxes prepared by trained personnel.

Taxpayers can schedule an appointment Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m, Walk-ins are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“When you schedule an appointment, there is no waiting, so it’s good for people on a time crunch,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Polanco, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the tax center.

People utilizing this service must provide the following upon their visit to the tax center:

Military or DOD identification card,
Social security cards and birth dates for all who will be listed on the tax return,
Current year’s tax package (if received),
Wage and earning’s statements (Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R) from all employers,
Interest and dividends statements from banks (Form 1099),
Bank routing numbers for direct deposit,
Last year’s federal and state return, if available.

If applicable, tax payers also need to bring their day care provider’s identifying number and the total amount paid for day care for 2010.

“For spouses filing jointly, both parties need to be present,” Polanco said. “If one spouse is deployed, the present party needs to have power of attorney paperwork to complete their return.”

Investors do not qualify, he added.

“This is a free service and we don’t normally have enough training to complete tax returns with investments,” said Sgt. Janetta Nuttall, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Tax Center.

The tax services are free and available until June 17.

Additionally, this year’s deadline for filing taxes was recently extended to April 18, but anyone stationed in Okinawa is automatically extended to June 15, according to Nuttall.

“It’s important not to wait,” she continued.

“The sooner you come in, the sooner you can get your (refund),” Polanco said. “Our Marines have been through courses and know the latest tax laws, so this is better than doing it on your own.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 645-4829 after Feb. 1.