Tax tips for Team Travis

  • Published
  • By 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Travis Air Force Base, California is in the midst of tax season and there are a myriad of useful and free resources available to base personnel, dependents, veterans and retirees who live in the surrounding areas.

Although base legal has traditionally helped Travis through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, this service will not be supported by them in 2018 due to mission priority, though tax advice is still being offered to those requesting an appointment, according to Capt. Austin Holtsclaw, 60th Air Mobility Wing assistant staff judge advocate.

Instead, United Way has various locations where they’re offering the VITA program for qualifying taxpayers who make under $58,000 a year. For a complete listing of dates and locations as well as a free online tax service through H & R Block, visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. These services are also available to veterans and retirees.

In addition to the VITA program, service members may also visit Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.mil for both free online filing through MilTax software and tax consultants available by phone to answer any questions that might arise during your filing.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center on base will also provide tax education to service members or families who need help navigating tax season.

“The A&FRC has two certified financial planners and two accredited financial counselors available to provide individualized or group financial education, including income tax education,” said Betsy Ratashak-Vogel, 60th Force Support Squadron A&FRC personal financial readiness program manager community readiness consultant.

For taxpayers whose annual takings make them ineligible for free services, it’s recommended they seek services from tax preparers with expertise such as those licensed as an enrolled agent or certified public accountant. To find an enrolled agent, please visit www.taxexperts.naea.org. To find a certified public accountant, visit www.calcpa.org/public-resources/find-a-cpa.

If you or your spouse is deployed, the deployed section of MilitaryOneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.mil/web/mos/-/ins-and-outs-of-filing-military-taxes-when-you-are-deployed?inheritRedirect=true&redirect=%2Fweb%2Fmos%2Fspecial-tax-considerations gives tax considerations to deployed Airmen and their families.

As a reminder, taxes must be submitted by April 17.

For more information or help on finding tax preparation resources, contact Ratashak-Vogel at 707-424-2486.