Last modified Wed., January 28, 2009 - 04:36 PM
Originally created Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Get Your Taxes Prepared For Free Mayport Tax Center Is Now Open

By MC1 Gino Flores, Contributor

Volunteer tax assistant Master at Arms 2nd Class James Goerbig from Mayport Naval Station helps a client file her tax return and save money at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center.
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It's that time of year again to gather your tax paperwork, tally the numbers and either write a check or wait for a refund from Uncle Sam.

The Naval Station Mayport Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Center officially opened for business Jan. 21. Sailors and their families are lining up to save money and file their tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

Lt Chris Frank, Officer in Charge of VITA center said the program is advantageous to the people it assists.

"We can save the average Sailor anywhere from $50 to $100 because we provide this service for free," he said.

Volunteer tax assistants put their newfound skills to work after participating in a week-long tax preparers training program. They developed skills for interviewing clients, organizing documents and using tax preparation software programs to help their clients prepare and file their taxes.

Frank added that his team conducts a quality review on every return that is completed.

"When I'm done with a customer's 1040 form, I have a second volunteer verify the accuracy of the return," he explained.

The center is staffed with 21 volunteers and is open for business Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until April 15. The tax center is located at 707A Everglades Ct. in base housing.

Volunteer Income Tax Center Opens for business from Monday - Friday 9 AM-4PM and Saturday 9AM-12:30PM.
MC1 Gino Flores

You should bring a copy of your social security cards of everyone that is listed on the tax return. Bring a copy of your Leave and Earnings Statement.

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.

You should bring a copy of your return from last year if you have it. It may contain information that will aid in filing your tax return. Also have a copy of a check with routing and account numbers if you would like a direct deposit. You must list the amount that you received in the Stimulus Payment. Do not forget, you must bring in a copy of all or your W2's, 1099's, and 1098.