HILL AIR FORCE BASE — For those looking for tax assistance, the base tax center is open now through April 17. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in  the Poe Conference Center, in building 1295, with five volunteers on hand for free, walk-in service for active-duty, Reserve or Guard members on Title 10 orders, dependents and retirees. 

Last year, the tax center helped over 1,500 people prepare tax returns, with a savings of nearly $500,000 in tax preparation fees and $3.1 million in tax return refunds, according to Joanna Kieffer, Chief of Legal Assistance at Hill Air Force Base. 

“A lot of people don’t know the first thing about taxes, or may be intimidated by doing their own taxes, afraid to miss something and have the IRS come beating down their door. Here, they can sit down with trained volunteers and take care of it … with the tax software provided by the IRS,” Kieffer said. 

Having the free service available on base allows people to come in at their convenience during their lunch hour, or before or after work. 

Kieffer says to plan on about an hour if there isn’t a wait and if the taxes aren’t too complicated; otherwise, plan a little longer. If there is a wait, or if military members would like to file taxes on their own using the free tax software, there is a do-it-yourself station available. 

To save time, bring any documents applicable for completing the forms, such as W-2 forms, 1099s, bank statements and stock information. 

Call 801-777-1040 with any questions.