KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Joint Services Tax Center on Kadena provides free federal and state tax services beginning Jan. 24.
Elaine Reeves, Kadena Joint Services Tax Center chief tax advisor, said though services begin Jan. 24, only service members E-4 and below will be able to file during the first week. This is because junior service members traditionally have simpler tax preparation needs and can be done relatively quickly. After the first week, however, all branches of service, civilian employees and retirees may utilize the tax center.
The tax center service hours are as follows:
Jan. 24-28, E1 - E4's only 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Walk-in Service only)
Jan. 31 through Feb. 4, open to all ID card holders 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Walk-in Service only)
Taxpayers with rental properties and FCC providers will need to schedule an appointment.
After Feb. 4, walk-in hours will be:
Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last sign-in)
Wednesday - Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last sign-in)
Saturdays are by appointment only for all eligible taxpayers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Though some may decide to do their tax returns using online programs from home, Mrs. Reeves said there is an advantage to using the tax center instead.
"People like to file their federal online before we actually open, but a lot of times though the federal may be free, they have to pay for the state," said Mrs. Reeves. "But if we didn't prepare your federal return, we can't do your state. We can do both - both are free, and we can electronically file both."
Mrs. Reeves said W-2's for Marines should begin arriving as early as Jan. 18, and Air Force, Army and Navy W-2's should begin arriving Jan. 24.
Because of the limited resources and time for individual appointments, the tax center requests that people using the services print and bring all important documents beforehand, including bank information.
For a list of required documents and other important information, view the Joint Tax Center Informational Guide here.