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By Thomas W. Mastaglio and Laurie Clay
Your Turn

It is tax season and we are certainly not qualified advisers, but thought it might be timely to point fellow veterans toward some services available to you that could assist in completing your tax returns.  Whether you use a paid service provider to prepare your taxes is an individual decision, however, we suggest you consult one or more of these options.  

You can direct file with the IRS (no need to use a service).  Check out https://directfile.irs.gov/ for eligibility and assistance walking you through the preparation of your return.  You might also be able to direct file your State tax returns. The IRS also provides free assistance with filing if you qualify, at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers.  

These programs are called VITA for all qualifying taxpayers and the TCE program for those of us who qualify as “elderly.”   The Veterans Administration provides tax season guidance for Veterans at https://news.va.gov/138085/ to include how to access free assistance and avoid scams.  Good luck making that April 15th deadline, remember you can get an extension until October if needed; insure you made deductions or estimated payments to avoid a penalty.

In a similar vein, the American Legion and Veterans Administration have a cooperative program to assist Small Business Owners. Visit www.AmericanLegion.org/information-center and search for Small Business. A conference to kick off this program was held in February, and small business owners can read about the agenda and monitor the program for future opportunities to participate in this educational effort.

Are you a veteran who would like to share your personal experiences serving your country? The Veterans Legacy Memorial Program (VLM) allows you to submit self-authored content to memorialize your life and service, establishing a permanent record of your legacy available online.  If you are subsequently interned at a VA Cemetery, this content will be used on your memorial page.  https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/livingveteranhome.

There has been significant concern and press about the impact of the New Administration’s government efficiency programs on the VA, especially services and benefits for all of us. Without taking any political sides on this issue, we recommend reading a message from VA Secretary Collins, Commitment to Veterans, at https://news.va.gov/va-press-room/ to receive all relevant information.

March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  Two local events are associated with that National Day.  On March 29, you can attend a Welcome Home event at the IOW Museum at 2 PM.  Their program will include an overview of that War, a veteran of Vietnam guest speaker, and a time for attendees to share their own experiences.  No reservations are needed. Just show up.  On March 23, American Legion Post 49 in Smithfield will host a dinner and program to honor all Vietnam-era Veterans at their post.  No charge for you and a guest, but reservations are required. Please call (757) 357-9239.

THOMAS W. MASTAGLIO, AL Post 49, can be reached at tom.mastaglio@outlook.com.

LAURIE CLAY, VFW Post 8545, can be reached at serviceofficer@vfwva.org.