Now that the W-2s are out I was wondering how everyone on base (specfically Yokosuka for me, but others need help too) went about doing their taxes in Japan? Do you get it done on base? The internet?

We've always done it through H&R Block, but for the $80+ you give them here to get it done on base... it comes out to being a far less of a deal then it was in the States. I don't want to pay $80 to have my taxes mailed off and then have to wait for the check to show up.

I've been given a couple website recommendations but I don't know how well to trust those sorts of deals. So what do you recommend? Websites? Base taxes? What were your experiences? Etc, etc.

Thank you!

I just filed mine today using turbo tax. I have used them for years online and really like them. For me, it's simple and insanely user friendly. We've had everything from W2 info to studen loan info and it's always a breeze. We had them done one year here on base for free and I just found using turbo tax was faster and easier!!!

If you go through the H&R Block link on the Military One Source website, it is free to file for both federal and state. As long as you dont have anything crazy, such as having sold/bought land or something like that, this way is the easiest and obviously cheapest way to go. We have used it for 5 years or so and have never had a problem.

I agree with Julie....Turbo Tax is great! I don't like to be in the dark about my finances, so I prefer to just do it myself. It really is VERY easy. Turbo Tax walks you through e/thing. I actually think it's kinda fun! Anyway, you might want to give it a try if you haven't done your own taxes before. Good luck!

As a Volunteer income Tax assistant we hope most can learn to do their own taxes and are willing to help those in need. For most without home rentals, capital gains and such the free stuff online is fill in the blank and hit send. If you need help or have questions let me know. I have been doing it for 16 years and tend only to take appointments when I do taxes for the base. VITA is in room 331 at the new library building opening Feb 2nd. We have several self help computers set up and several VITA desks for those who actually need help. Most folks are simply intimidated by the process but every adult American should learn how to do it since they will do it an average of 60 times or so in their lifetime and it is money related...
TAX TIP OF THE DAY if you child turns 17 in a given year you lose the child tax credit!

By the way I fix the H&R block mistakes they make here on this base, free of charge, they do not have a good reputation here I am afraid, I did drop by 2 years ago and point out some mistakes they were making but from what I saw they did not listen too well. If you have a simple tax deal they are fine but if you have complexities see someone who knows what they are doing, I attended the H&R school many years ago, it was kind of scary who they let do taxes!

I always use Turbo tax too. Did mine last night just as soon as they came out.

In Negishi, I overheard a couple guys talking about taxes in the library. I know he was already volunteering in Yoko, and it looks like he'll be doing taxes in the library here. I'd call the library to find out for sure.

Thank you, everyone. I think we'll probably be doing them online this year since our taxes are so simple, no reason to pay someone for it. I'm still interested in seeing other people's views, though.

And thank you, FCCMCOLLINS. It's good to know about the library and fixing H&R's mistakes. Shame on them, lol. They charge a lot of money!

My husband is there in Yokosuka. I did our taxes and they are supposed to be faxed to the hr block on base there for him to sign. Except he does not know where it is. Any help??

H&R Block won't start their operation until Feb. 5th. It will be at the new community center bldg. accross the commissary. 3rd flr. rm. 330 DSN 241-4471

H&R block is RIGHT NEXT TO THE FREE VITA TAX OFFICE, I love the fact that they are watching people wait for the same service for free! The software no big difference...

Posted By Elizabeth on 21 Jan 2010 09:04 PM
I don't want to pay $80 to have my taxes mailed off and then have to wait for the check to show up.

Re: Waiting for the check... Do direct deposit!  IRS will deposit your refund directly to your bank account for no fee.  This gets you your refund in 7-10 days, a huge improvement over mailed checks.  Note: This is NOT the instant refund that H&R and others do/did.  Their instant refund thing is actually a loan with your tax refund as collateral. They give you your calculated refund immediately but there is a pretty steep fee, if you calculate it as an interest rate.

That's exactly what we did this year, it was pretty simple.

I usually pay for H&R to do them so we can get the loaner check the next day or something like that. But they don't even offer that service here, so why bother paying for it.