JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Due to tax law changes made by Congress in late December, the Internal Revenue Service fell eight days behind when processing tax returns, not starting until Jan. 30. Despite the lag, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Tax Center staff advises people not to delay scheduling appointments.
The last day to file taxes is April 15, but the flow of business is picking up, so active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retirees and their dependents should make arrangements as soon as possible for free federal and state tax filings at the center, LaMarr Queen, Randolph Tax Center coordinator, said.
The staff - who helped file nearly 1,800 returns in 2012 - is booked for February, so appointments scheduled now may be serviced sometime in March, Chris Irwin, Randolph Tax Center volunteer, said.
The most noteworthy change this tax season is the IRS not accepting certain credit forms from 1040 filers until a later date, Queen said.
The forms, which include education credits (Form 8863), depreciation and amortization (Form 4562), residential energy credits (Form 5695), the energy efficient home credit (Form 8908) and qualified adoption expenses (Form 8839), will be accepted in late February or into March.
However, Department of Defense members can still schedule appointments at the center even if credit forms apply; these returns will be held and e-filed upon the IRS confirming a date.
For a complete listing of forms to be accepted in the near future, visit http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/List-of-IRS-forms-that-1040-filers-can-begin-filing-in-late-February-or-into-March-2013.
Queen said a frequently asked question is how people should determine dollar amounts when claiming charitable donations, for which he has an answer - a rule of thumb.
"Keep all of your charitable donation receipts, of course, but never claim retail value," he said. "Credit the items as you would in a yard sale; if you give them 'yard sale value,' you should be safe."
The golden rule when filing taxes is to "always be honest," Queen added.
"When it comes to audits, people tend to get scared when they see the letter," he said. "But really, if you're honest, everything will line up and there's nothing to worry about."
People can schedule appointments for questions and advice at the Randolph Tax Center if they receive an audit letter, even if they didn't file taxes there.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit or call the tax center, Bldg. 202, at 652-1040.