LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Filling out tax returns can be confusing, but Langley's Legal Office plans to remedy this by opening a tax center to guide people through the process.
At the tax center, volunteer income tax assistants (VITAs) help people with any questions regarding federal and state tax returns, and even fill out their returns for them. Last year, VITA representatives, working with the legal office, saved Langley families over $820,000on tax preparation and filing fees.
"Our goal is to provide people with legal ways to reduce their tax liability," said Capt. Javier Farfan, Langley Tax Center officer-in-charge. "We want to help them save money."
The tax center is free and open to the Langley community. Active-duty personnel have priority, but retirees and dependents are also welcome. VITAs are trained to handle simple tax returns; those with complex tax returns, involving rental properties, investments etc. may be referred to a specialist.
"People who are uncomfortable with doing their taxes can come here and talk to someone face-to-face," said Airman Lyndsey Mixon, Langley Tax Center coordinator. "It takes the headache out of doing your taxes."
Captain Farfan advises people to come prepared, and bring all necessary documentation, including a copy of last year's tax return, forms W-2 and 1098s and 1099s from the 2009 tax year , their dependents' social security card(s), child care provider's tax identification number or social security number and the amount paid in child care for 2009.
For those filing their taxes electronically, bring a voided check or statement from the bank with routing number and account information on it, and a Power of Attorney if filing a joint return and one party is unable to make the appointment.
The center's success depends on the number of volunteers recruited; this year they hope to have 50 or more, although 75 or more would be ideal, said Captain Farfan. VITAs are trained and certified by IRS representatives. Active-duty personnel, retirees and dependents are encouraged to volunteer.
Volunteers must meet the following requirements:
· Have been approved by his or her chain of command to be a volunteer
· Possess math aptitude or tax experience (preferably)
· Should be eager and willing to help others during the tax filing season
· Must commit to a total of 40 hours during the course of the tax season
· Be available to work a minimum of two consecutive weeks or one day a week for ten weeks
· Be available to attend a training course scheduled for Jan. 11-15 community center and theater, or online training
· Receive a passing score minimum of 80% on the test to required to be certified as a VITA
"Volunteers are given an opportunity to receive intensive, thorough training in a skill they can use for the rest of their life," said Airman Mixon. "It's also an opportunity for them to serve their community."
The tax center offers services Feb. 1 through April 30 in building 567, adjacent to the marina, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, call Captain Farfan or Airman Mixon at 574-3277.