Tax Returns Prepared Free of Charge for Deployed Ohio Troops

This is taken directly from a release I just recieved. Good stuff for our Deployed Brothers and Sisters in arms... And a great program from The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.

(COLUMBUS, OH – January 18, 2008) ― The Ohio Society of CPAs is once again sponsoring Operation CPA in partnership with the Ohio National Guard and Ohio’s Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee.

CPAs from throughout Ohio have volunteered their time and expertise to prepare 2007 tax returns free of charge for deployed Reserve and National Guard members this filing season.

"Deployed service members have many challenges to deal with professionally and personally. The prospect of filing a tax return can be a daunting task for military personnel and their families,” said Clarke Price, president and CEO of The Ohio Society.

“Through Operation CPA, our members help lighten that load and show support for the men and women who are risking their lives daily for our country.”

Military personnel who are Ohio residents currently deployed outside of the state will qualify for free preparation of their 2007 individual or joint local, state and federal personal tax returns.

To take part in Operation CPA, qualified service personnel, their spouse or family member may call The Ohio Society of CPAs toll-free at 888.959.1212 or e-mail cpanswers@ohio-cpa.com. Military personnel will be matched with a CPA from their area.

“On behalf of the Ohio National Guard, we appreciate the generous support for deployed service members who have put their civilian lives on hold to answer the call,” said Lt. Col. Robert Bramlish, director of the Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Program.

Also, Military OneSource is offering free tax help. Call a tax consultant at 1-800-730-3802 or e-mail a consultant for online help. Special military programs are on that site that can help you make the most of your money.

Either way it looks like there are a few resources for our deployed service members and their families. I can tell you first had that deploying away from home is hard, but it pales in comparison to burden the families endure. It is the families left behind that try to maintain a sense of normalcy while dealing with challenges you could only imagine.

If you have any services or deals for Service Members and/or their families, let us know here at Bearing Drift and we will spread the word online and in the military community. (replace the (at) with @ before hitting send.)