Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
                         February 8, 2002

West Point's Tax Center opens for business

By Pfc. Nate Jastrzemski
Staff Writer

It’s February and time to start thinking about gathering up all the necessary documentation needed to file tax returns. The U.S. Military Academy Tax Center opened for business Monday to assist West Point community members in doing just that.

"We are here to assist the community with preparing their taxes," said Daniel W. Shimek, chief of Legal Assistance and head of the Tax Center.

Shimek said the tax center served more than 2,400 customers last year.

"The approximate savings from the community by using our services over paid tax preparers was more than $207,000," he said.

"We’ll do a variety of tax returns," he said, "Including those with interest statements, interest dividends, capital gains distribution, pensions, social security and rental properties."

The Center services all military ID card holders, Shimek explained.

"The tax center is open to anyone entitled to legal assistance -- that is active-duty, reserve, National Guard and retirees, to include family members," he said.

Shimek recommends that community members make an appointment by calling 938-2640 from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. The Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Patrons are reminded to bring all the necessary documents with them to their appointment, he added.

The following are some documents that could be necessary for tax-filers to bring:

- Any and all W-2s.

- Any and all 1099s.

- Form 2848 for anyone filing on behalf of someone else (2848 is the IRS version of power of attorney).

- Complete list of deductions for anyone itemizing returns.

- HUD1 or 1099S forms for those who have bought or sold a home.

- Bank deposit information and checkbook for direct deposit.

- Personal identification and names, birth dates and social security numbers of dependants.

- Documentation of name changes for recently married women.

John King, West Point’s lead tax preparer, said individuals can also check with their Unit Tax Advisor -- a member of their department who has taken classes to learn how to assist others in properly preparing their taxes for filing.

"I recommend that people go to their UTAs first, to help them get started on their taxes and ensure they have all the necessary documents needed to file their taxes," King said.

The Tax Center also has electronic-filing capability, Shimek said, which will enable taxpayers to get their refunds in a more efficient manner. However, that efficiency only applies to federal taxes, he added.

"We will file your federal taxes electronically, but we are still limited to filing state taxes by mail," Shimek said.

Electronic filing, he explained, is much faster and more accurate, and with direct deposit, customers can expect to receive their federal tax refunds, "Generally about two weeks after filing."

"We try to provide good services for people here," said King. "We get people’s taxes done and done right."

Shimek said the tax center would remain open until about May 3. For general information call 938-3372.