Tax office looking for volunteers Published Dec. 5, 2014 By Staff Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Office 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 $149,000 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 advisers. Volunteer and command-appointed tax advisers are the backbone of the Tax Assistance Program. A tax adviser must exercise sensitivity and care concerning confidentiality. Nominees must also have an inclination toward 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 adviser is required to attend a four-day Tax Law seminar, which will be held Jan. 5-9 at Rose State College. Tax advisers are also required to attend a one-day e-file seminar. These seminars are slated for Jan. 20-23 and Jan. 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Education Center in Bldg. 201, Room 16. It is imperative that tax advisers attend class every day of their assigned seminars. Once trained, each tax adviser must provide at least seven full days of tax assistance throughout the season at the Tax Assistance Office. Tax advisers have scheduling flexibility and are given the opportunity to choose the dates that are convenient for them. In fact, many tax advisers 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 adviser and your supervisor approves, submit your name, office symbol, IRS training date availability, e-file training date availability, email address, duty phone and fax number no later than Dec. 17 to Staff Sgt. Katie Speer at katie.speer@us.af.mil. All nominees will be contacted by Dec. 30 with more specific details about the Tax Assistance Program. If you have questions or need more information, contact Sergeant Speer at 739-8610 or katie.speer@us.af.mil.