Yokota's Tax Center is open for business

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AB, Japan --  The Yokota Tax Center opened its doors to help active duty members, reservists, civilian employees of the Department of Defense and their dependents file taxes free of charge, Feb. 8.

The tax center is located in building 315 across from the legal office and is open for walk-ins and appointments from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday and closed Fridays.

Individuals filing a 1040 EZ can drop their forms off at the tax center or the front desk of the legal office anytime.

"If somebody is filling out a 1040 EZ, they can come in with their forms, drop them off and then come back after we finish," said Capt. Mary Wood, tax center officer in charge. "That can be done anytime; they can just go to the front desk."

To ensure all tax returns are correct, tax center representatives ask that each customer bring all their required documentation to their appointments.

Military members can log onto https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx and print their W-2 forms.

Every year, the legal office sends out emails requesting volunteers to work in the tax center. These volunteers undergo an extensive Internal Revenue Services' four-day training course and are certified as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance representatives.

Master Sgt. Kenneth Mindel, a volunteer at the tax center, said he became involved for the community service and has volunteered for 10 years.

"I felt like I could help other people and I would learn a little more about doing taxes for myself," he said.

The tax center will be open through mid-June due to the two-month extension allotted to those stationed overseas.

For more information or to make appointments, contact the tax center at 225-4927.