Photo By G. Anthonie Riis | Maj. Gen. John Evans Jr., commander of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, and...... read more read more
Fort Knox, Kentucky – Despite the government shutdown and its associated impacts to IRS operations, the Fort Knox Tax Center opened its telephone lines Jan. 17 to begin scheduling appointments for people to start filing their tax returns Jan. 24.
Major Gen. John Evans Jr., commander of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, and Capt. Thomas Sandbrink, officer in charge of the tax center, cut the ribbon that officially opened the tax center and began the tax season here.
Evans said business for the tax center will largely continue as normal during the government shutdown, and he encouraged taxpayers to get their returns filed now to avoid being overwhelmed later.
“This is a tremendous service [because] as we all know, the tax codes have gotten increasingly complex over the years,” said Evans. “The reality is that once we get the government [back] … you can expect a mad rush getting in here, and there will be lots of discussion about whether the tax season will end in April or be extended.”
Evans then addressed the tax preparers.
“Continue to hang tough because when they turn the floodgates back on, things will accelerate rather quickly and you’ll need to respond,” Evans said. “I’m certain you’re up to the task.”
Sandbrink said he is confident the tax center staff is ready for business, and he urged taxpayers to start using their services now.
“Even though the IRS is still closed, we are open,” Sandbrink said. “Our phone lines are live and people can start making appointments now.”
Sandbrink reminded customers to allow ample time for their appointment.
“Depending on the difficulty of the return, the process should take one to three hours,” he said. “That just depends on the complexity of [each individual’s taxes].”
Sandbrink said taxpayers save time by coming prepared.
“The biggest help they can be to themselves is to utilize checklists, and to bring everything they need,” Sandbrink said. “The time you spend organizing your forms and information now will save you time with us, and there will be less mistakes too. Have all your required forms filled out, and be sure to bring last year’s returns.”
In a Jan. 7 Fort Knox News article titled “Tax season is quickly approaching!” Sandbrink reminds taxpayers about some of the items they should be gathering before visiting the tax center.
“Spend time now gathering your important tax documents and creating a document file. This could include such documents as daycare receipts, proof of education expenses, charitable donation receipts and gambling receipts,” writes Sandbrink. “Then, as W-2s, 1098s, and 1099s become available, add these to your filing system.
Later in the article, he explains what taxpayers will need to know about interest bearing savings accounts and property sales.
“If you have a savings account that pays you interest, you will likely need a 1099-INT from your bank. Likewise, if you have a mutual fund or a stock brokerage account, you will need a 1099-DIV. If you sold real property last year, you will need a 1099-S to report that transaction,” writes Sandbrink.
Sandbrink said the tax center staff is trained and ready to get to work for the community.
“[Last season] we prepared more than 4,000 federal and state returns and the tax center recovered nearly $ 5 million back to customer’s pockets, and we additionally saved a cumulative half a million in preparation fees,” Sandbrink said. “We have been trained and certified by the IRS, and we anticipate being a big help to the tax payer.”
Services are available to active duty Soldiers and Family members, retirees and their families, and reservists and guardsmen on active duty for more than 30 days. Hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule appointments. The center accepts walk-ins on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To schedule an appointment or receive more information, call (502) 624-0044.
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2019 12:10 |
| Story ID: | 307542 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 264 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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