Survey says … tax volunteers needed

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Shane McCammon
  • 39th Air Base Wing legal office
David Letterman may say otherwise, but nationwide surveys indicate one of the Top 10 most common New Year's Resolutions - right up there with dropping a few pounds and quitting smoking - is volunteering and helping others. The polls also indicate, however, that the average person is more likely to at least hit the gym a few times than actually lend that helping hand before the year is out.

Concerned that you meet your resolutions - at least the ones that don't involve extra jogging - the legal office has arranged a tremendous opportunity for you to become a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant. VITAs will receive the latest and greatest tax-preparation information straight from the "Tax Man" during the week of Jan. 22. Armed with that valuable but completely free knowledge, two VITAs will staff the Airman and Family Readiness Center from 5 to 7 p.m. each weekday evening during tax season, lending assistance to those members of Team Incirlik who need help preparing their returns via MilitaryOneSource.com. VITAs also will be needed at least once a week during the day to accommodate Airmen who work swing shifts.

Unlike in the past, this year's Tax Assistance Program aims to teach Airmen, their dependents, and DoD civilians how to prepare their own returns with the help of Internet-based tax-preparation software. As a result, VITAs will primarily answer tax questions rather than prepare the returns themselves.

Depending on the number of volunteers, the commitment required to serve as a VITA is much lower than losing a few pounds or chewing a pack of nicotine gum. The return, however, is great - not only will you meet at least one New Year's Resolution, but you will gain marketable tax experience while placing service before self.

If you are interested in becoming a VITA or have any questions, call Staff Sgt. Kassandra Tindal or 1st Lt. Shane McCammon at 676-6800.