Tax pros coming to the Rock Published April 3, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Members of the Camp Arifjan Tax Center will be at The Flex 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9 to assist 386th Air Expeditionary Wing personnel with their taxes. The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance personnel will assist with 2008 federal tax return preparation and e-filing for servicemembers only. No state returns or prior year tax returns will be done. Customers should bring their ID card, W-2 forms, 1099 forms (if applicable), social security number and birth date for filer and their dependents, last year's tax return (if possible), a voided check or deposit slip and a power of attorney from their spouse if "married filing jointly." The VITA team will provide a POA for your spouse to sign if you do not have one. If you quality to itemize, bring all the relevant documents with you. "Being in the military and being deployed as well presents unique situations and tax benefits that some are not afforded," said Master Sgt. Cynthia McClure, 386th AEW Legal Office superintendent. "Having a VITA team here gives our members an opportunity to sit face to face with a qualified tax preparer and get answers to their questions. More importantly it helps to reassure the member that the information they are reporting to the IRS is correct." Although this service is available, Sergeant McClure said Airmen don't have to file before the April 15 deadline because servicemembers in a combat zone receive an automatic 180-day extension to file their federal income taxes. "From the time they leave the combat zone, they have 180 days," Sergeant McClure said. "But if you want to file now and you want a little help, this service is available. For more information, call Sergeant McClure at 442-3170.