MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- It's that time of year once again. Time to go through the receipts, find those lost papers, and fill out countless forms all in hope of getting some money back from the government. For some, tax season can be stressful, but the Depot Tax Center staff has been working hard for months to make sure Parris Island personnel can get their taxes filed quickly and without a hassle.
"All of our Marines here went to the H&R Block's nine-week Tax Preparer's Class and are now fully qualified to file taxes, just like a civilian tax filer," said Master Sgt. James Wilson, Depot Tax Center staff non-commissioned officer in charge.
The staff is also qualified through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program, he added.
This year all government-service employees of Parris Island qualify to use the Tax Center, said Wilson.
Filing your taxes doesn't have to be a hassle and you can get your return in as few as seven to 10 days.
"To make it easy, just bring all the paperwork you need and we'll do the rest. Filing takes about 20 minutes for a single person and 30 minutes for someone who's married," said Cpl. Bijoy Kanji, Depot Tax Center tax preparer.
The Tax Center will file about 2,000 returns, and with a staff of seven, the
best time to have your taxes done is now before the big rush in mid- February, said Kanji.
To have your taxes filed you will need to bring:
? W-2 form
? You can download this off of the MyPay system at https://emss.dfas.mil/mypay.asp or wait to receive your hard copy after Feb. 15.
? 1099 - your bank should send you this official interest statement.
? I.D. Card
? A voided check or bank statement if you want to get your return via direct deposit.
? Child care information
? Your child care provider's address, employee identification number and social security number.
? Education receipts - for class registration and book fees.
? Your year-end bank statement - once again, your bank will send you this.
? If divorced, a signed copy of IRS Form 8332 or divorce decree if children are involved.
? Any other documents necessary to file your taxes
This includes mortgage or rental information, mutual fund information or any thing else you need.
If you're filing a joint return, your spouse will also need to be present or you need a power of attorney form, said Kanji.
The Depot Tax Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 until 5 p.m., and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in building 10 behind the Disbursing Office.
"On average, we save people about $75 to $150 apiece. We're here to help," said Kanji.
For more information, call the Depot Tax Center at 228-3215.