TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Completing and filing tax forms can be painless, simple and free for those who visit the Tinker Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Office (VITA). The VITA program provides tax preparation and electronic filing for active duty military, retirees and their dependents by appointment. This year there will be no limits on adjusted gross income or pay grade; instead we will be limiting services to those who have no schedules or have simple schedules (A, B, C, D, E) with some restrictions. The tax office will also prepare resident and non-resident Oklahoma returns.
The VITA program, organized by the base legal office, will be open from Jan. 31 through April 14. The VITA office is located in Bldg. 1, Door 3, on the west side of the building. There are signs guiding visitors to the office. VITA hours of operation are from 7:30 to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays (excluding federal holidays). Beginning Jan. 23, appointments can be scheduled by calling 739-7754. Unfortunately, you are not able to leave messages so please call back if you are unable to get through. 1040-EZ filers may be served on a walk-in basis; however, all others must have an appointment. Appointments will have priority over walk-ins.
In order to receive prompt service, all taxpayers must bring the following items with them: military IDs, Social Security cards and birth dates of taxpayers and dependents, last year’s tax return, and all forms W-2, W-2G, 1099s and 1098s. Taxpayers wishing to direct deposit their refund should bring a voided check. The IRS requires the tax preparer to see the Social Security cards for everyone on the tax return. You may bring a clear and legible copy of the cards with you instead of the actual cards. If e-filing a joint return, both the taxpayer and the spouse will need to come into the tax office to sign the e-file documents unless the filer has a Power of Attorney (POA) that is specifically for taxes. POAs may be obtained at the legal office.
Custodial parents wishing to claim dependent care or educational credits must bring in the appropriate documentation such as statement of service from the child care provider which contains the EIN or SSN of the provider, a 1098-T from the educational institution, and a bursar statement showing payments and charges made to the school. Noncustodial parents claiming a child will need to bring a signed Form 8332 or a Pre-2009 Divorce Decree giving them the exemption for that dependent.
New this year: We are able to prepare returns that include 1099-C Cancellation of Debt, oil or natural gas royalties (often reported on 1099-MISC), and sales of stocks and bonds reported on Form 1099-B, as long as the basis was reported to the IRS.
For active duty only: We can prepare returns with a single rental property or self-employment from direct sales. You will be given a list of required information and/or documents when you make your appointment.
Tax preparation restrictions: The tax office is unable to prepare returns for civilian employees or returns that include foreign taxes, excluded foreign earned income, income reported on Schedule K-1, sales of stocks or bonds where the basis was not reported to the IRS, mineral royalties other than oil and gas and non-Oklahoma state returns.