VITA Volunteers Offers Free Tax Services

The center will operate in base housing at 707A Everglades Court.

VITA is the only free tax preparation service on base. Private tax preparers can charge $50-$100 or more per return and can result in Sailors paying high rates to get their refunds more quickly. VITA E-files almost all returns, ensuring fast refunds. VITA is run entirely by volunteers who have been certified by the IRS in basic tax preparation.

Who is eligible for free tax preparation through VITA?

All active-duty service members and their dependents

All retirees and their dependents

Reservists on active duty for more than 30 days

Reservists within 30 days of demobilization and reservists involved in pre-mobilization

What to bring to the tax center:

All 2008 W-2s and 1099s

If you have an education loan and pay interest on it, you should bring in a copy of the 1098 E. If you are a student in college or other educational organization, bring in a copy of your 1098 T.

Copies of Social Security cards for taxpayers and dependents

Taxpayer(s) military ID cards

Bank account numbers and routing numbers

Any other tax records including copies of 2008 tax returns if available

If you do not bring either a copy of your Social Security card or a previous year's tax return, they will not be able to prepare your return. You must also have this documentation for all dependants.

Couples wishing to file joint returns should come to the tax center together. If a spouse is unavailable, the spouse preparing the return will need to bring a Power of Attorney that specifically covers tax filing purposes, or an IRS Power of Attorney Form 2848 (available at www.irs.gov)

If you do not itemize your deductions and you have paid property taxes, you can claim income reduction of your taxable income up to $500 (for single) and up to $1,000 for joint returns. That is a normal additional refund of around $100 or $200 or more.

To get to the tax center take a right onto Moale Avenue. Then take first right onto Everglades. The VITA house is on the right.

If you have a complex return please call ahead and make an appointment. All taxes are done by appointment or by walk-in, which is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

So, wait a few days for a big savings. We will be taking calls on tax questions. VITA volunteers are certified and trained by members of IRS. Watch for additional tips as the filing season gets into full swing.