We assist eligible taxpayers with the preparation and e-filing of both Federal income tax returns and state returns as applicable.
The Camp Foster Tax Center operates under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program– a training and support program administered by the United States Internal Revenue Service. VITA offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. You can read more about the VITA program at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers and https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-vita-grant-program.
Tax Returns can take several hours to complete based upon the level of complexity. Further, our resources require the use of a web-based service that has a high degree of latency and delay and serves to further.
Customers are generally seen on a walk-in basis and the number of clients accepted on a daily basis varies based upon the complexity of the return. Class B and Class C returns are allocated fewer spaces due to the higher demand on resources and length of time for preparation. Appointments are available on a limited basis. Please ensure that you have adequate time to complete your return.
The Tax Center is located in Building 5717, Camp Foster. The Tax Center can be reached at DSN: 645-1656 or commercially at +81-98-970-1656.
Eligibility for Services (in priority order):
-
Active Duty Military Personnel
-
Dependents of Active Duty Military Personnel
-
Retired Military Personnel
-
Surviving Spouses of Military Personnel that Died on Active Duty or Retirees
-
DOD Civilian Employees
*NOTE: DOD Contractors are NOT eligible for services*
Automatic Extension:
Many residents of Okinawa may qualify for an automatic two-month extension. See the following link from the IRS for details: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-automatic-2-month-extension-of-time-to-file
Categories of Tax Returns:
Class A – Individual Tax returns with sole employer, no dependents, and no alternate sources of income (e.g. interest payments, stock dividends). Approximate processing time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Class B – Joint or Head of household returns with up to two employers and common deductions. Approximate Processing time 2-3 hours.
Class C – More complex returns requiring additional investigation. These will include multiple ongoing sources of income, business earnings, international tax questions, or multiple jurisdictions, etc. Approximate processing time 3-4 hours.
Class D – Complex tax returns. These are defined as any return that the individual preparer believes places your return outside of the scope of the VITA program as determined by the relevant IRS guidelines. Class D returns will not be filed through this office.
Wait times and availability of appointments will be contingent upon the class to which your tax return is assigned.
What to Bring:
All Personnel:
-
DOD Identification Card (All personnel)
-
Social Security Cards for filer, spouse and dependents
-
If using an ITIN, proof of foreign status (green card) [see Other Resources below]
-
If Married Filing Separately your spouse's SSN is needed or if you intend to claim alimony as a deduction your former spouse’s SSN is needed
-
Document showing birth dates of filer, spouse and dependents
-
Wage and Earning Statements (W-2/ W-2G, 1099-R) from all employers during 2017 and 2018.
-
Copy of 2017 Federal and State Tax Returns OR your 2017 Pin (The Tax Center does NOT have this even if you filed through the Tax Center last year--contact IRS https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript and State as appropriate)
-
Health Insurance Exemption Certificate or Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
-
Bank Routing Numbers and Account Number for Direct Deposit of any Refunds
*To expedite your time at the Tax Center, you can fill out and print our client intake sheet at: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13614c.pdf. However, completion of intake sheet is not a guarantee of services.*
As Applicable--if you received it in the mail / e-mail / online we NEED it:
-
1099-MISC
-
Education expense documents (1098-T)
-
Mortgage Interest Documents (1098)
-
Documents showing Traditional IRA contributions (ROTH IRA not deductible)
-
Charitable Donation Receipts with Federal Tax Identification Number for 501(c)(3)'s
-
Day Care Expenses with Tax Identification Number
-
All other applicable documents, receipts, or proof of other sources of income/deductions, i.e. gambling winnings or losses; rental income; and qualified educator expenses for classroom use.
-
Special Power of Attorney/Form 2848 if attempting to file jointly with a spouse and both spouses are not present at the Tax Center (otherwise, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms) [see Other Resources below] ***any General POA needs to specify "taxes", otherwise, we will not be able to accept it***
**Tax Returns are NOT prepared on a good faith basis, customers must provide source documentation for all Identities of filers and dependents and for any tax credits, adjustments, deductions, etc.**
For more information on what to bring, please see: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation
Other Resources: