by Jazzmin Williams
Contributing Writer, Ho’okele Pearl Harbor-Hickam News
The Navy Tax Center held its ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 30. The center is a tax resource for all Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and Marines, as well as retirees and dependents.
“My goal is that we get every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine in here to do their taxes,” said Capt. Lawrence Scruggs, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). “They should not have to pay someone to do their taxes.”
The center is a JBPHH operation and is run by nine full-time volunteers. The volunteers are trained by the IRS in specific military-related issues, so customers can receive help with any questions or problems they may have relating to service.
“Our amount of volunteers shows the dedication and commitment they have to staying through tax season [to help service members],” said Legal Assistance Attorney and Defense Attorney for JAG Alexandra Marin. Marin is also the officer-in-charge for the tax center.
The key difference in the tax center compared to previous years is that it is now a walk-in and self-service model. Customers sign in, and when a computer becomes available they log their taxes using an H&R Block program. Volunteers roam the room, helping with any tax-specific questions a customer may have.
“Tax laws have become very complicated,” Scruggs said. “They can take a few minutes off from work and receive extremely proficient and professional service here.”
The center is not limited to active-duty service members. Dependents and retirees are welcome to the tax center, and there are initiatives to work with Tripler and the Wounded Warrior program to help those who cannot physically make the trip to JBPHH.
“This is a direct reflection on how we take care of our own,” Scruggs said.
The Navy Tax Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is located in the Navy College building (building 679), room 11.
The documents that are required for proper tax filing are a military ID, Social Security cards for all family members, last year’s tax returns, a copy of active duty orders for reservists, and any other available tax documentation such as a form 1098 or 1099. For more information, call 473-4112.