Kirtland AFB Tax Center wraps-up

KIRTLAND AFB N.M. -- On April 17, the Kirtland Air Force Base Tax Center completed 12 weeks of service to military members, dependents and retirees, providing free state and federal tax preparation and filing. They filed 757 returns, up from 710 in 2011, often staying well past closing time to ensure that clients received the best possible assistance. Clients who filed their taxes through the Tax Center saved approximately $200,000 in tax-preparation fees. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Senior Airman Michael Means/Released)

Kirtland AFB Tax Center wraps up big year

Published May 1, 2012
By 1st Lt. Keith Leitz
AFNWC Legal Office

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- On April 17, the Kirtland Air Force Base Tax Center completed 12 weeks of service to military members, dependents and retirees, providing free state and federal tax preparation and filing.

Because military members often encounter a variety of tax issues, it is important for them to have a place for assistance from those who are knowledgeable about those issues, without having to break the bank. The Kirtland AFB Tax Center provides that service.

Under the guidance of Capt. Ashley Vincent and Staff Sgt. Sarah Swift of the Kirtland AFB Legal Office, 25 volunteers staffed the center as part of the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. They filed 757 returns, up from 710 in 2011, often staying well past closing time to ensure that clients received the best possible assistance. Clients who filed their taxes through the Tax Center received $1,243,279 in refunds and saved approximately $200,000 in tax-preparation fees.

The Kirtland AFB VITA Tax Center was successful because of the hard work and high caliber of the volunteers. They were honored for their service April 18 at the Kirtland AFB Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.