2009 an interesting year for income tax returns Published Feb. 6, 2009 By Melissa Barlow Spangdahlem Tax Center director SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- W-2's have been released on MyPay and with that comes the hustle and bustle of tax preparation at the Spangdahlem AB Tax Center. The tax center opened its doors Jan. 26 to all ID card holders in the Eifel community. Taxpayers can now schedule appointments or take advantage of the walk-in hours, which are offered twice weekly. With a new filing year comes some changes that taxpayers need to be aware of. The most obvious pertains to the Economic Stimulus payments that were given last year. These payments were an advance on the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was a new credit introduced for tax year 2008. If an individual received the Economic Stimulus payment last year, the Recovery Rebate Credit will not be given on the tax return. However, if an individual did not receive a payment last year, or did not receive the full amount that he was entitled to, the credit will be given on the tax return. Another significant change will be of interest to homeowners. During previous tax years, if homeowners did not have enough mortgage interest and real estate taxes to itemize their deduction, they had to use the standard deduction. This year, homeowners will be allowed to use the standard deduction, but also claim real estate taxes in addition to the standard deduction. Filing a tax return at the tax center is a free service offered to all ID card holders. While some private companies offer tax preparation services off-base for a substantial fee, the base tax center can handle almost any tax situation, no matter how complicated. Furthermore, volunteers at the Tax Center are specially trained by the Internal Revenue Service in an intensive, week-long class. Returns are electronically filed and refunds are direct deposited in less than 14 days. Walk-in hours at the Tax Center are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Come prepared with W-2's, interest statements, daycare receipts and direct deposit information. To schedule an appointment, call 452-1040.