Tinker tax-assistance program looks for volunteers during upcoming 2009 filing season Published Nov. 12, 2009 Tinker Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Over the years, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has provided a valuable service to the Tinker community. Last year, this program saved the Tinker community more than $194,000 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 advisors. Volunteer and command-appointed tax advisors are the backbone of the Tax Assistance Program. A tax advisor must exercise sensitivity and care concerning confidentiality. Nominees must also have an inclination towards helping people. Additionally, the ideal nominee 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. Each tax advisor is required to attend the four-day Tax Law Seminar Jan. 4-7. Experienced tax preparers will have the option of receiving training through the Link and Learn training module on the IRS.gov Web site. Volunteers must have prior approval from the Tinker Tax Program manager, Cammy Drebes, to use this method of training. Each tax advisor is also required to attend a one-day E-file seminar either Jan. 11-15 or Jan 19-20. It is imperative that tax advisors attend class every day of their assigned seminars. Once trained, each tax advisor must provide at least seven full days or 14 half days of tax assistance throughout the season at the Tax Assistance Office. Tax advisors have scheduling flexibility and are given the opportunity to choose those dates that are convenient. In fact, many tax advisors volunteer considerably more than the required seven days during the tax season. Needless to say, the additional support is welcome. If you are interested in becoming a tax advisor and your supervisor approves, submit your name, office symbol, IRS training date availability, e-file training date availability, e-mail address, duty phone and fax number not later than Dec. 11 to Ms. Drebes at cammy.drebes@tinker.af.mil. All nominees will be contacted by Dec. 17 with more specific details about the Tax Assistance Program. If you have questions or need more information, contact Ms. Drebes, at 739-5811 or cammy.drebes@tinker.af.mil.