VITA-ly important $ervice

Published Jan. 28, 2011
By Nicole Turner
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Instead of going to H&R Block or trying to do taxes through a home software package, military personnel have an option of getting their taxes professionally done for free, right here on base.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is a free service for all active duty military, dependents and retirees.

Located in the tax office in Bldg. 1, Room 104, VITA is available from Jan. 31-April 18. The tax office is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30-11 a.m. and 12-3:30 p.m., and on Fridays it is open from 7:30-11 a.m. Appointments can be booked by calling 739-7754.

"We can do 1040-EZ forms by walk-in, but appointments will have priority," said Cammy Drebes, VITA coordinator. "We are taking appointments for active duty pay grades E1-E5 now. All others we will book appointments for starting 31 Jan."

The program has 50 volunteers that consist of military members, civilians and retirees who go through four days of intense tax law training and one day of software training.

"All volunteers have to be certified," Ms. Drebes said. "They have to pass three different tests with an 80 percent or better."

Master Sgt. Pamela Koehler has been preparing taxes at bases for 15 years. She said she enjoys volunteering with VITA because it helps many people out who would not otherwise have the access to do taxes or their spouses if they are deployed.

"I think every military member should utilize this program because it is free and available to everyone and their spouses," Sergeant Koehler said. "Very seldom these days do you get such a service for nothing and so many willing to help out. I hate to see the Air Force family get taken advantage of because they do not have the experience to do their own taxes, and we are trained by the IRS to help out."

Last year VITA filed more than 1,200 tax returns. Ms. Drebes said they plan to file about the same amount this year as well. For every tax return that is filed at least two or more certified volunteers review it.

"Every return that is done gets quality checked before the client leaves," Ms. Drebes said.

Once returns are completed and filed, clients have an option for their refund to be direct deposited within seven to 14 days without any fees. They also have an opportunity to fill out a satisfaction survey and rate the tax service they received.

"Everybody who walks in gets a customer survey," Ms. Drebes said. "Last year 96 percent of our customers gave us the top score on the survey."

Tax office