MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The Cherry Point Tax Center is set to open Wednesday.
The tax center is operated by the Cherry Point Legal Services Support Team and is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, said 1st Lt. Luke Huisenga, the officer in charge of the tax center.
Last year, the tax center helped file more than 1,400 returns for refunds totalling more than $3 million. The center’s personnel are trained to ask questions that will help clients maximize their returns.
“It’s all about peace of mind,” said Huisenga. “It can be daunting to do your return, but here you have someone to help you.”
IRS personnel trained and certified the Marines in the center to assist in filing both federal and state tax returns.
Lance Cpl. Ben Smith said the intensive training tax center personnel received will be key to providing the best service possible to patrons who take advantage of their expertise.
“We went through five different classes with the IRS,” said Smith, a tax preparer with the center. “This shop is prepared to help Cherry Point personnel handle their taxes.”
The tax center is available free of charge to all service members, active or reserve, retirees and dependents. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for walk-ins. Appointments can be made in advance for Mondays and Wednesdays between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.