Support of USMC Income Tax Preparation and Filing Assistance Program

1. Per reference (a) and in coordination with the Internal Revenue Service, Marine Corps legal assistance offices have provided annual income tax preparation and electronic filing services to eligible persons. This program has repeatedly proven to be a major quality of life benefit for our Marine Corps community.  Last year alone, Marine Corps tax centers prepared and filed over 52,000 federal and state returns, saving service members, retirees, and their families over 7 million dollars in tax preparation and filing fees normally charged by commercial preparers.
2. The Legal Services Support Section (LSSS) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) is responsible to his or her regional MCI Commanding General for the provision of legal services support within each respective Legal Services Support Area (LSSA). The LSSS OIC determines the most effective method of providing tax preparation and filing services within their LSSA.
3. The continued success of this program requires advance planning and active command support. The tax program's perennial success has largely been due to the support provided by commanders in making Marines, facilities, and information technology assets available.
4. Command POCs should coordinate with their cognizant LSSS, Legal Services Support Team OIC.
5. Questions may be directed to Ms. Mary Hostetter, Head Legal Assistance Branch, Judge Advocate Division, via email at mary.hostetter@usmc.mil or phone at (703) 692-7442.
6. Release authorized by MajGen D. J. Lecce, Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.