Tax Season; How do you mentor and prepare your Soldiers for their taxes?

This is a double first time for me, first tax season as a soldier and also first one out of Puerto Rico. Back in the island I used to fill the taxes myself, no problem. Here is going to be a lot different, I'm glad that, not just my NCOIC but, my OIC and even the civilians in my shop are giving me good advice about it.
By other part, my Home Commander won't let me go crazy with the returns, I already filled the 4187 to get that sectional that I want for the living room, lol!

remind them that their parents cannot claim them any more.

if they are newly weds, I usually talk to them about taxes just to be sure nothing weird is going on.

if I know one of my guys is "special", I talk more in depth

The first task for them in tax preparation is for them to start to think about their taxes as early in the year as they can, preferably in the spring. The earlier they start the more of their money they can save. The old saying is true here, "its not how much you make, but how much you keep at the end that is important" Starting early allows for adjusting your deductions and also to plan on individual tasks that can help to reduce the amount you owe while taking care of yourself, your family or charitable compassion you may have.