JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Since the 2015 income tax season began Jan. 20, U.S. Service members, retirees and their families are ensuring their financial records are in order in preparation for this time of year.
Although some people are able to accomplish their Form 1040s with little-to-no difficulty on their own, more than 50 percent of Americans use paid tax preparers, according to Forbes.com. Luckily for active-duty Service members, retirees and their families, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Tax Centers offer free tax preparation services and are scheduled to open Feb. 2.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Katherine Edwards, JBLE Tax Center officer-in-charge, said she believes this service is particularly helpful to younger Airmen who do not have prior experience with filing tax returns.
The centers, open at both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis, employ volunteers as tax preparers. The volunteers will have undergone approximately 60 hours of online training and received certification through the Internal Revenue System Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
"Last year, VITA representatives working with the base legal office saved JBLE families over $500,000 on tax preparation and filing fees," Edwards said.
The centers are accepting anyone with access to the installations who are able to volunteer preferably on a full-time basis. Volunteer duties include tax preparation, answering phones, scheduling appointments and greeting guests. To volunteer, call 764-3277 and ask for the Tax Center Volunteer Coordinator.
The JBLE Tax Centers offer services by appointment only. The centers will operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., through April 18. The Langley center is located at 402 Helms Ave. To schedule an appointment, call 225-5777. The Fort Eustis center is located at 2733 Madison Avenue. To schedule an appointment, call 878-2343. For a list of documents to bring to your appointment, directions to the centers and more information visit
www.jble.af.mil/units/airforceunits/langleylaw/langleytaxcenter/index.asp.