Peterson tax program goes online Published Jan. 11, 2010 By Capt. Evan Bonnett and 1st Lt. Danko Princip 21st Space Wing Legal Office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Peterson Tax Assistance Program is undergoing changes this year. In previous years, taxes would be prepared in the legal office for Airmen and their spouses. In January, Airmen and their spouses can use their home computers to log on to free online services to file their 2009 taxes. Available services include those offered on Military OneSource and at www.IRS.gov. These services are simple and easy to use. No matter how a customer chooses to file their personal income taxes, whether through 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 IRS for years, Military OneSource has now made this service free for military members. Naturally, the program will also 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 a servicemember'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, customers will not need to go back and forth between instructions, worksheets and forms as they would with a paper return or with a tax consultant because the program walks them through the process, screen by screen, question by question. In addition, the online system also can be a faster way to have refunds directly deposited into a bank account, compared to paper filing. The online program is available Jan. 18 and will be accessible by following links on the Military OneSource website, www.militaryonesource.com. It is important to note that military members must use the OneSource Web site to 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) 730-3802 and by e-mail to help with personal tax-related questions. The program also features an extensive help menu. Help topics relating to the question being asked on the screen are displayed beside the question in simple-to-understand language. As always, the Peterson Legal Office will be available to provide assistance and answer questions about the free filing systems. Several computer terminals will be available at the legal office for those needing assistance with filing their income taxes. Support staff will be on hand to provide guidance in the use of the programs. To set up an appointment, call 556-4871. Retirees in need of tax assistance should contact the legal office and set up an appointment to receive assistance.