Eglin AFB Volunteers Prepare 3-Month Free Tax Season

Tax season can be stressful, but at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, military families get a helping hand that costs them nothing.

The base's Tax Center reopened January 20 and will run through April 18, offering completely free tax preparation and e-filing services to active-duty members, civilians, retirees, and their families. IRS-certified volunteers handle everything from federal to state returns, with most refunds landing in bank accounts within 21 days.

The center operates in Building 451 on North 2nd Street, with appointments available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays are reserved for walk-ins with straightforward tax situations.

But here's where the story gets even better. The Tax Center needs more volunteers to keep up with demand, and they're not asking for tax professionals.

Anyone can sign up, even with zero tax experience. Volunteers receive full training and certification, then commit to just one four-hour shift per week between now and mid-April. Base personnel can even use it as an alternate duty location with supervisor approval, meaning they can serve their community during regular work hours.

The Ripple Effect

When military families get their taxes done accurately and for free, the impact goes beyond just saving money on filing fees. Many service members are young adults navigating complex tax situations for the first time, juggling deployments, moves between states, and military-specific tax benefits they might not know exist.

Getting professional help means they claim every credit and deduction they deserve. For families living paycheck to paycheck, that extra thousand dollars from a properly filed return can mean catching up on bills, building an emergency fund, or finally taking that family trip they've been postponing.

The volunteer model creates something else too: community connection. When neighbors help neighbors navigate something as universally dreaded as taxes, it builds the kind of trust and mutual support that makes military bases feel less like temporary duty stations and more like home.

Those interested in booking an appointment or volunteering can call 850-882-1040. Customers should bring photo ID, Social Security cards, previous tax returns, current tax forms, and bank information for direct deposit.