Kirtland offers free tax assistance

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The Kirtland Air Force Base Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program office opens Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Consolidated Support Building.

Certified volunteers receive training to help prepare basic tax returns for servicemembers in the grade of O-3 and below, E-6 and below, and retirees with a gross income of $60,000 or less.

"We are so thankful to have received such a positive response to our call for volunteers at the tax assistance office this year," said Capt. Ashley Vincent, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center legal office. "The caliber of our volunteers is outstanding. They are very knowledgeable and incredibly committed to helping our Airmen and their families file their taxes promptly and accurately."

During the first two weeks in February, tax preparation is limited to E-4s and below who are not itemizing deductions.

"We really wish we could open our doors to everyone at Kirtland AFB," said Vincent. "Many bases have the capability to help all active-duty members, but in order to give the best service we can, we must focus on a smaller client base."

Vincent said the tax assistance office may not be able to meet all filers' needs.

"Tax season can be a very stressful time," said Vincent. "While our volunteers do their very best to achieve desirable results, that won't always be the case for everyone who comes through the door. Sometimes we will need to refer special cases to professionals, and sometimes people might leave disappointed with their outcome. We ask that our clients remember that we have their best interests in mind and have limited resources, so please be patient."

The tax assistance office has enough volunteers to prepare taxes, but needs volunteers to perform administrative duties.

"We still need individuals willing to answer phone calls, schedule appointments and manage the intake of our clients," said Vincent.

The tax assistance office will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will close April 17. To schedule an appointment, call 853-1700. For more information, call 846-4217.