August 13, 2010 
By Bruce Moody, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Navy Family Readiness Program Public Affairs
H&R Block is offering a free income tax course for spouses of uniformed service members and wounded warriors.
Military spouses of active, retired or Reserve military service members and wounded warriors are eligible.
"A tax preparation career is ideal for spouses who move every few years or stay at home with children," said Panshella Cole, Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) manager. "Although employment is not guaranteed, the course offers valuable training."
No experience in tax preparation is necessary to enroll. Topics covered include tax theory, the latest tax laws and easy step-by-step skills for preparing tax returns.
The 11-week course is offered at flexible times and convenient locations. Spouses who move while enrolled in the course may continue their training with another of the more than 11,000 H&R Block offices worldwide.
The course is also offered in Spanish at several locations.
"The first step is to contact your nearest Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)," Cole said. "The FFSC will verify your eligibility with your military ID. If you can't get to a center, call the one nearest you, and they'll verify you over the phone."
To locate an FFSC, visit
http://www.ffsp.navy.mil and select "Find your local Fleet and Family Support Center."
Once eligibility is verified, a confirmation number will be sent. To register with H&R Block call 800-472-5625 (1-800-HRBLOCK) or visit
http://www.hrblock.com/class.
The offer of free courses is the result of an official partnership between the Department of Defense and the world's largest tax preparation business.