Approximately three dozen Fort Bliss Soldiers attended tax preparation training conducted by instructors from the IRS, Jan.7, 2020. The Soldiers learned how to prepare taxes, answer questions and address concerns prior to the opening of the Fort Bliss Tax Center, Jan. 22, 2020. (Photo by Michelle L. Gordon, USAG Fort Bliss Public Affairs)

Fort Bliss Tax Center opens Jan. 22

By Michelle L. Gordon, USAG Fort Bliss Public Affairs

Approximately three dozen Fort Bliss Soldiers spent the first half of January learning how to prepare taxes, answer questions and address concerns prior to the opening of the Fort Bliss Tax Center, Jan. 22, 2020.

Tax center officer-in-charge Capt. Joe Strzempko said the Soldiers completed two weeks of training to ensure they are able to prepare tax returns for any situation that comes their way. 

“They are getting exactly the same training that any commercial preparer would have,” said Strzempko. “We have [instructors] from the IRS coming in and giving our preparers all of the training they could possibly need.”

The Fort Bliss Tax Center trains Soldiers annually using the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA volunteers help low- to moderate-income people prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. In addition to traditional tax preparation, the Fort Bliss Soldiers also received training on military-specific tax issues, such as TDY pay and filing extensions for service members currently deployed to a combat zone. However, the cost is what Strzempko sees as the biggest benefit.

“The biggest benefit we have is that we prepare all of our state and federal returns 100 percent free,” he said. “Our Soldiers won’t have to shell out any money to commercial preparers when they prepare their returns with us.”

According to the National Society of Accountants, the average fee for a commercial professional to prepare and submit an annual federal income tax return and state return with no itemized deductions is $176, and the average fee for an itemized form and a state tax return is $273.

“In 2019 alone we were able to save our service members $1.2 million dollars in preparation fees, and we were able to secure over $10 million in money back from the government in refunds,” Strzempko said. “That’s money that goes back not only to the Fort Bliss community in our service members, but also to our broader El Paso community.”

The Fort Bliss Tax Center will serve all active-duty service members and their family members, military retirees and their family members, and reservists serving on active duty longer than 30 days and their family members.

Beginning Jan. 22, 2020, the tax center will be open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays and training holidays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Clients can schedule appointments beginning Jan. 21, 2020, by calling (915) 568-1040. Appointments can also be made in person at the tax center located at 2910 Cassidy Road. 

Strzempko said the tax center will take walk-in appointments, but they are seen on a limited basis. Walk-in service is available Monday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, as well as a list of documents to bring to your tax center appointment, like the Fort Bliss Tax Center on Facebook, @fortblisstaxcenter, or visit their webpage, https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/staff-judge-advocate/fort-bliss-tax-center