TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Over the years, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
program has provided a valuable service to the Tinker Air Force Base community.
Last year, this program saved the Tinker community more than $150,000 in
preparation and electronic filing fees.
As the income tax season approaches, plans are under way
for the Internal Revenue Service’s annual VITA training seminars for tax
preparers.
Volunteers from the community and command-appointed tax
advisors are the backbone of the tax assistance program. Volunteers must
exercise sensitivity and care concerning confidentiality. They must also have
an inclination toward helping people. Additionally, the ideal volunteer
possesses an aptitude for numbers and the ability to interpret regulations and
instructions related to tax matters. This volunteer opportunity is open to Team
Tinker, as well as retirees and their authorized dependents.
Volunteers are required to attend a five-day Tax Law
seminar, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 9-13 at Rose State
College in the CLC Tom Steed Building. It is imperative that volunteers attend
class every day of their assigned seminars.
Once trained, volunteers must provide a minimum of four
hours a week for 11 weeks — Jan. 31 through April 14 — at the Tax Assistance
office. Volunteers have scheduling flexibility and are given the opportunity to
choose dates convenient for them.
If you are interested in volunteering, call Lori Long at 739-8620 before Nov. 30. All volunteers will be
contacted by early December with more details about the VITA program.