YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea – Tax season kicked off with the grand opening of the Yongsan Tax Center, Jan. 29.
The tax center mainly focuses on lightening the burden of filing taxes, and providing valuable assistance with complicated paperwork.
"We take care of all community members; Military, military spouses, and civilians working here in Area II," said Capt. Alexander Hess, officer-in-charge of the Yongsan Tax Center.
Some people may be hesitant to seek help with tax filing assistance for fear of fees. But that is not an issue here because it is free of charge.
"The tax center also benefits our community because the people who work here are experts knowledgeable of the special military complexities, makes the tax center a helpful installation."
Col. Michael E. Masley, garrison commander for U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, emphasized the importance of the tax center for enhancing mission readiness.
"When you have soldiers who don't have to worry about how much money they will be getting back, you have soldiers who can concentrate on the mission," Masley said. "And as mission readiness is the number one theme in Korea, it is obvious that the tax center directly helps the military."
Soldiers working at the tax center completed weeks of training to guarantee preparation for their new job.
"At first there was a little bit of struggle because it is hard to concentrate fully on something that is not familiar," said Staff Sgt. Christian Oritz, a member of the tax center staff. "However, I and my fellow soldiers are qualified and I can ensure that the tax center staff members are experts of tax related issues."
The Yongsan Tax Center is located on the first floor of the Moyer Community Activity Center. For more information, call DSN 723-7887. The work hours are from 9:30 a.m. through 5 p.m.