The head of the Armed Forces Tax Council says he prepares his tax returns himself, but he always goes to a military tax center to get them double-checked.
"Every single time they find something I missed," said Army Lt. Col. Samuel Kan. "Taxes are so complicated that you're going to miss something. It's helpful to have another set of eyes. … I don't think I've ever seen a tax return that didn't have a mistake."
Sometimes it’s not necessarily a mistake that they find – it might be that the service member hasn’t taken advantage of a credit or deduction.
Some boxes service members frequently forget to check on their tax-prep list:
1. Reference materials. It's especially important this year to bring in last year's tax return when you go to your tax preparer, Kan said. The IRS changed its contract for tax software, so even if you're going to the same military tax center you went to last year, it's possible the center may no longer have your data.
And don't forget every scrap of tax paperwork – anything from your employer(s) or bank(s), and documentation to substantiate any donations. Also, don't forget your 1095 forms from your employer that certify your minimum essential health care coverage.
2. Big numbers. The most common mistake is entering the wrong Social Security number. Be meticulous with this. If it's wrong, that will delay your refund.
3. BIGGER numbers. If you're getting your refund deposited electronically, make sure you get your bank account number correct. "You don't want your money going into someone else's account," Kan said. "It's a tremendous feat to get money out of someone else's account when it goes to the wrong account."
Also, ask banks to verify account and routing numbers – some use different routing numbers for electronic deposits than what's printed on your check.
4. Don't skip deductions. Make sure you take advantage of applicable tax credits and deductions. Haircuts and uniform items in general are not deductible, but, especially with the Guard and Reserve component, make sure you include the deductions for certain travel expenses related to duty.
5. Eyes on extensions. If you're stationed overseas, or if you're deployed to a combat zone during the tax filing season, you may qualify for certain automatic extensions.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
