VITA program begins for tax season Published Jan. 31, 2012 By Capt. Stephanie Kral 60th Judge Advocate assistant staff judge advocate TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program kicked off Wednesday here. The VITA program provides free income tax preparation to service members, retirees and dependents. If you are a retiree, volunteers will prepare your taxes at the tax center in the education center, Bldg. 249, Room C-114. Taxes are prepared by appointment. To make an appointment, email your name, phone number and basic information about your taxes to travistaxcenter@gmail.com. The tax center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Appointments outside those times and walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Filers with complicated taxes involving items such as Schedules D, SE, E or 1099C are assisted based on the availability of advanced preparers. When scheduling an appointment, staff members email filers all necessary instructions. Active-duty military members must use their Unit Tax Advisors. UTAs will prepare taxes at their workstation on their own schedule. Contact first sergeants to find out who is a UTA. Active-duty members can visit the tax center, but are only be seen based on availability. If neither of these options work, filers can visit any one of the free resources available at www.irs.gov or visit H&R Block in the Base Exchange. For more information, call 424-3251.