Tis the season, base tax center opens Published Jan. 29, 2009 By Cammy Drebes Office of the Staff Judge Advocate TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- It's tax season, one of the most stressful times of the year for many Americans. At Tinker, completing and filing tax forms can be painless, simple and free for those who visit the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Office. The VITA program, organized by the base legal office, opened Jan. 26 and will stay open through April 15. The VITA program provides tax preparation and electronic filing services for active-duty military, their dependents, and retirees by appointment. In addition, 1040-EZ filers will be served on a walk-in basis; however, filers with an appointment will have priority over walk-ins. The tax office can prepare Oklahoma State returns, in addition to the following federal forms: 1040-EZ; 1040A with Schedules 1, 2, 3 and Earned Income Credit; Form 8863 (Education Credits); and Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit) and Form 1040 with Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. They can also complete Schedule D for those individuals with stock sales who have their cost basis already figured. Unfortunately, the tax office cannot prepare Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ for those taxpayers with business income or with Forms 1099MISC. Taxpayers with home businesses, will also need to seek help from other providers. In order to receive prompt and immediate service, bring the following items with you: military ID, social security cards and birth dates of taxpayers and dependents, W-2s, 1099s, investment income paperwork, powers of attorney (if applicable), names, addresses and EIN or SSN of day care providers (if applicable); and last year's income tax return. If you want to have your refund directly deposited in an active bank account, bring a voided check from that account as well. Non-custodial parents claiming a child as a dependent will need to bring either a signed Form 8332 or a Divorce Decree giving them the exemption for that dependent. The VITA office is open from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (excluding federal holidays), and Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The tax office is located in Bldg.. 1. Enter Door 3 on the west side of the building and follow the signs to the VITA office. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 739-7754.