Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

  • Published
  • By 60th Judge Advocate Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  This year's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program will provide tax filing services to members of Team Travis through squadron level representatives and on a limited basis through the Tax Assistance Center located in the base education center, Bldg. 249 room c-114, first floor. The Tax Assistance Center will open Feb. 1 and continue through April 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments will be scheduled based on grade:

Jan. 27 through Feb. 4: E-1 to E-4 (1 W-2, no property, standard deduction)
Jan. 28 through Feb. 11: Scheduling for E-1 to E-4
Feb. 16 through Feb 25: Scheduling for E-1 to E-5
Feb. 28 through March 5: Scheduling for E-1 to E-6 and O-1
March 7 through March 18: Scheduling for E-1 to E-7 and O-1 to O-4
March 29 through April 14: Scheduling for all ranks.

Appointments are available on a first come, first serve basis by calling 707-816-3203 or e-mail TAFBtaxcenterappointments@yahoo.com. Due to the limited spaces available at the Tax Assistance Center, active duty members are encouraged to contact their squadron VITA representative for assistance. Most of our certified VITA preparers are able to do returns from their offices and during a time that is convenient for service members. Contact respective squadron orderly rooms for the name and phone number of your trained tax preparer.

Our VITA representatives will not be able to complete service member tax returns if they do not have the required documents with them. Some of the most common documents are:

· A copy of Social Security Card for taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents.
· A voided check for direct deposit of your return.
· Form W-2 from each employer. Active duty members may obtain this form from https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx.
· Childcare/Daycare expense information. You will also need name, SSN, and address of the Childcare provider.
· Form 1099-INT for interest received during the last tax year. Most banks mail this or you can check on-line banking.
· Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement.
· 2010 Tax Return.

The Tax Assistance Center offers another great service. Once service members have had their 2011 taxes prepared, your return will be processed electronically at no charge to service members. This service is also available if service members visit their squadron VITA representative. Be advised the tax center is not authorized to electronically transmit any state tax return for a state other than California, and assistance in preparing paper copies of taxes for other states will be at the discretion of the preparer.

Additionally, VITA preparers are not trained nor qualified to complete tax returns involving home businesses (with the exception of on-base daycare), rental properties, or any complicated returns. Contact squadron VITA representative or the Tax Assistance Center to verify which filing needs can be accommodated through Tax Assistance Center.