JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
This year, the only tax assistance center available will be at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston to provide free tax preparation and e-filing of federal and state income tax returns for eligible military taxpayers and family members.
These services will focus on assisting active duty taxpayers and their families. Limited services will be available for military retirees.
The Details
- WHO: E-1 to E-5 and O-1 to O-3 active duty members and their families/retired military members and their dependents who live within 50 miles of 2450 Dragon Valley Road, Building 133, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 and make less than $60,000 combined (whose taxes fall within the scope of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program).
- WHAT: Free tax preparation and filing for returns within VITA scope (by appointment only).
- WHEN: Feb. 1 through April 15, 2024.
- WHERE: 2450 Dragon Valley Road, building 133, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
- WHY: The Military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program exists to enhance mission readiness by providing low-cost, efficient tax preparation to eligible members of the military community.
- HOW: Appointments can be made online at https://fortsamtax.setmore.com or by phone at 210-221-1040 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 1, 2024.
Common Restrictions
- Must have SSN Cards (or photocopies of SSN Cards) for taxpayer/spouse and all dependents listed on returns.
- Must have all tax documents applicable to your individual tax return (i.e., W-2s, 1099-R, childcare statements, etc.).
- No rental properties.
- No stock or mutual funds sales, or other complex cases.
- No married, filing separately.
- Retired members cannot make more than $60,000 in combined income.
Hours, location and contact info
- Phone: 210-221-1040 (information line)
- Hours: By appointment only, in person or virtual; Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m. (excluding federal and Army North training holidays)
- Location: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Courthouse, 2450 Dragon Valley Road, building 133
- Eligibility: Active duty, retired military and their family members.
Required tax documents
To receive assistance at the JBSA Volunteer Tax Center, you must bring your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and your Form 1095, required under the Affordable Care Act. These documents are available through myPay. Also, bring your Social Security card and the Social Security card of each individual you intend to claim as a dependent.
If applicable to your financial situation, you must also bring the following:
- SSN Cards (or photocopies of SSN Cards) for taxpayer/spouse and all dependents listed on returns.
- Most recent tax return.
- Your W-2 form.
- 1099-R reporting distributions from an IRA or 401k you’ve received in 2023
- 1099-INT or 1099-DIV reporting any interest or dividends received as income in 2023
- 1098 reporting payment of mortgage interest and property taxes.
- 1099-B for any stock sales together with your cost basis for capital gain or loss calculations.
- SSA-1099 reporting any 2023 Social Security benefits,
- 1099-MISC for self-employment or miscellaneous income, outside of your regular job, and
- Information concerning any state tax refunds that may be income.
Be sure to bring all your documents with you, or your tax preparer will not be able to help you. Tax center personnel will review your documents and help you complete your tax return. Please be aware that the tax centers may not have access to previous tax returns.
Important deadlines and resources
Before we get the tax season underway, there are some important deadlines and changes that you need to know:
- Tax Day is Monday, April 15, 2024. You must file your returns by this date unless you are granted an extension by the IRS.
- The standard deduction for 2023 increased to $13,850 for single filers and $20,800 for married couples filing jointly.
- Income tax brackets increased in 2023 to account for inflation.
- Tax deductions help lower how much of your income is taxable. Keep in mind that you can claim charitable donations, medical deductions, business deductions, earned income tax credits, and child tax credits. As always, if you are claiming any tax deductions and/or credits for this season, please ensure you have the records to reflect such.
Other tax assistance sources
Free online tax assistance from Military One Source
All active duty, Reserve and Guard members, their spouses, and their dependent children can receive free tax services from Military One Source online at https://www.militaryonesource.mil.
The MilTax is a suite of free tax services for the military that includes easy-to-use tax preparation and e-filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes.
It’s designed to address the realities of military life — including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals, and multistate filings.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) San Antonio
The City of San Antonio has numerous Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locations for anyone with an income below $55,000.
The City of San Antonio Volunteer Income Tax Assistance can be located at their website at https://www.vitasa.org.
The website identifies 11 locations around the city to assist with tax preparation, making it convenient to receive free tax assistance for qualifying individuals close to where you live.