In line with regionalization, MCAS Cherry Point will offer assistance in support of the free online tax resources for active duty military members, qualifying reservists, retirees, and their dependents in 2023.  All in-person assistance, if necessary, will be conducted at Camp Lejeune.

For more information about in-person tax services at Camp Lejeune, visit Tax Center (marines.mil) or call (910) 451-3030.

For more information, questions, assistance with self-help online MilTax filing, or further guidance on where additional free tax assistance may be provided, please call the Cherry Point Tax Liaison at (252) 466-2001 or (252) 466-1087 or email CHPT.LSST.Tax.Center.OMB@usmc.mil.

On Thursdays, from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., there will be a DIY tax software lecture at Building 219 (the law center) for up to 15 people. As part of that lecture, people are encouraged to bring laptops and their returns for a real-time Q&A session after the initial presentation to walk people thru the preparation of their returns. They can sign up by calling or emailing the tax center liaison at (252) 466-2001 or (252) 466-1087, and CHPT.LSST.Tax.Center.OMB@usmc.mil.

FILING ONLINE:

The majority of tax returns can be filled online and by the member for free at MilTax:

• MilTax: Members of the military and qualifying retirees can prepare and e-file their taxes for free through MilTax. The MilTax website can be found here: Military Tax Resources, Free Tax Filing • Military OneSource
  • Military OneSource Instructions.pdf
• IRS Free File: Taxpayers who do not qualify for MilTax have other options to prepare  and e-file their federal taxes for free. Those who earned less than $72,000 in 2022 can use IRS Free File software. Any taxpayer, regardless of income, who is comfortable completing their tax forms digitally can use Free File Fillable Forms. The IRS Free File software can be found here: www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

OTHER RESOURCES:

The IRS has a variety of other resources to help members of the military and their dependents navigate filing taxes while in the military:

• Military Tax Benefits: Military status can affect a taxpayer’s eligibility for certain military tax benefits. Taxpayers can check their eligibility for military tax benefits here: www.irs.gov/individuals/military/eligibility-for-military-tax-benefits
• Combat Zone Tax Benefits: There are rules specific to those who serve in combat zones. These taxpayers and their families can find out more here: www.irs.gov/individuals/military/tax-exclusion-for-combat-service
• EITC: Military members should also review special EITC rules. If these apply to their tax situation, it could lead to a larger refund. Find more information here: www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc and www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/military-and-clergy-rules-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit
• The Armed Forces’ Tax Guide: IRS Publication 3 is a comprehensive publication with info for military members including information on: special rules for military personnel serving abroad including deadline extensions, unreimbursed moving expenses, and reserve component travel expenses. The Armed Forces’ Tax Guide can be found here: www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3

For retirees, civilians and veterans, there is a free physical tax return preparation center at 311 Middle Street in downtown New Bern. They are open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. until April 18, 2023. Their phone number is (252) 772-5245 and their website is www.newbernvita.com.  This is a private non-profit. No federal endorsement should be inferred.

Tips for Taxpayers to Make Filing Easier:

The IRS urges filers to follow these steps to avoid unnecessary delays in processing and issuance of refunds:

• File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds.
• Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.

Key Filing Season Dates:

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for the tax-year 2022 filing season:

• Jan. 14: IRS Free File opens and taxpayers can prepare their returns.
• Feb. 12: Tax year 2022 filing season opens.
• Mar. 1-7: Tax refunds begin arriving for those claiming EITC and ACTC for electronic filers with direct deposit whose tax returns have been approved.
• April 18: Deadline for filing 2022 tax returns without an extension request.
• Oct. 17: Deadline to file 2022 tax returns for those who request an extension.
• Please note that tax laws are subject to change at any time.

For guidance on how to utilize the MilTax software from Military OneSource, please see the following PDF document: Military OneSource Instructions.pdf