Peterson’s Tax Program offers free online services Published Feb. 8, 2011 By Peterson legal office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Based on strong feedback from last year's tax customers, the Peterson Tax Assistance Program will again leverage free online tax services to better serve Airmen. Airmen and their spouses are encouraged to use their home computers to log on to free online services to file their 2010 taxes. Available services include those offered on Military OneSource and at IRS.gov. These services are simple and easy to use. No matter how an Airman chooses to file personal income taxes, whether through the free online services or in some other manner, the legal office is available to provide assistance, both in filing taxes and in answering tax-related questions. While the online program used by Military OneSource has been available and endorsed by the Internal Revenue Service for years, Military OneSource has now made this service free for military members. Naturally, the program also will address tax issues specific to the needs of military members, such as those relating to deployment and relocation. By asking simple, easy-to-understand questions, the program will automatically select the appropriate way to treat these often complicated issues by determining an Airman's filing status and calculating the correct exemptions, deductions, as well as resolving other tax issues and concerns. The program is also designed for ease of use and requires no tax expertise. For instance, filing does not require going back and forth between instructions, worksheets, and forms as is often necessary with a paper return or with a tax consultant. Instead, the program walks a person through the process, screen by screen, question by question. In addition, the online system can be a faster way to get a refund directly deposited into a bank account, compared to regular paper filing. The online program is accessible by following links on the Military OneSource website, www.militaryonesource.com. It is important to note that military members must use the OneSource website in order to gain access to the free program. For those requiring assistance with preparing their taxes and using the program, Military OneSource tax consultants are available by phone at (800) 342-9647 and by e-mail to help you with personal tax-related questions. The program also features an extensive help menu. Help topics relating to the questions being asked on the screen are displayed beside the question in simple-to-understand language. As always, the Peterson Legal Office is available to provide assistance and answer questions about using any of the free filing systems. Several computer terminals will be available, for those individuals with CAC access, at the legal office. Support staff will be on hand to provide guidance in the use of the programs. Retirees in need of tax assistance also can contact the legal office and set up an appointment. For young Airmen living in the dormitories who file 1040EZ, a drop off service is available. Airman may bring the required documents to the legal office, complete a questionnaire, and the legal office will prepare the tax return and call or e-mail the Airman to come by and sign the documents Anyone who wants to make an appointment can call the office at 556-4871.