Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Maj. Theodore P. Byrne, from Relondo Beach, Calif., helps Staff Sgt. Evelyn...... read more read more
By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group Qatar
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Tax assistance is at an all-time high at Camp Sayliyah, a U.S. installation in Southwest Asia supporting the Global War on Terrorism. On, Feb. 26, the Area Support Group Qatar legal office opened a fully-capable tax center to help deployed service members file 2007 tax returns. Furthermore, troops may benefit from a recently signed bill, requiring the U.S. Treasury to start sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households in May. To receive payment, tax payers must have a valid Social Security number and file a 2007 federal return – the Internal Revenue Service will take care of the rest.
"Helping our economy requires us to take action," said U.S. President George W. Bush on, Feb. 13, minutes before he signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 in Washington. According to Bush, the intent is to "provide a booster shot for our economy – a package that is robust, temporary, and puts money back in the hands of American workers and businesses."
"Requests for assistance with 2007 tax returns are increasing at Camp As Sayliyah," said U.S. Army Maj. Theodore P. Byrne, from Relondo Beach, Calif., who provides legal services for the Camp As Sayliyah installation commander, in addition to offering his guidance as a certified accounting professional and tax lawyer for the installation populace. "The news of a refund is spreading amongst members of the military. To support the demand, the installation tax center is staying open until the beginning of May, so every service member has an opportunity to get help qualifying for the 2008 economic stimulus refund."
According to Byrne, a 2007 tax return must be filed in order to be considered for a payment – even if it's otherwise not required. The criteria used to verify eligibility is based on information provided in 2007 tax returns. Since the IRS needs this documentation, a delay in filing will be met by a delayed payment.
"Most eligible individuals will receive between $300 and $600," said Byrne. "Those filing a joint return can expect to see between $600 and $1,200 as a rebate; as well as an additional $300 for each qualifying child." Household incomes will determine the amount a tax payer is refunded. Individuals who made less than $75,000 are entitled to a full payment – as are couples earning less than $150,000 on a joint return.
April 15, was the official due date for filing 2007 tax returns. Service members in declared combat zones are allowed to delay filing to accommodate overseas deployments, but earnings must be reported after returning to the United States – generally within 180 days. Camp As Sayliyah, situated in the Gulf State of Qatar, is located in a designated combat zone.
This year's tax season presents two great opportunities for service members at Camp As Sayliyah: the chance to qualify for an appreciable rebate, as well as the ability to meet with a legal officer specializing in accounting and tax laws.
| Date Taken: | 04.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2008 10:40 |
| Story ID: | 18448 |
| Location: | CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA |
| Web Views: | 505 |
| Downloads: | 436 |
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