VITA office gears-up for another free tax season

  • Published
  • By Tom Baltes
  • 377th Air Base Wing Staff Judge Advocate Office
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  While anything free is hard to come by these days, free tax preparation service is here and available to all active duty and guard enlisted members, officers through major, retirees and dependents with an annual income below $100,000.

The Kirtland AFB Volunteer Income Tax Assistance office will be open Jan. 26 to April 15, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The office is located next to the wing legal office in the south end of building 20604 at 2000 Wyoming Blvd Southeast.

The VITA team is offering walk in and appointment service throughout the tax season. To make an appointment call 853-1700 or better yet, stop by the VITA office during operating hours to schedule appointments and pick up some worksheets to get prepared.

Those eligible can electronically file their federal and state returns for all states, as long as both spouses are available to sign joint returns.

It is critical that everyone taking advantage of the Tax Center bring all their documents to their appointments. Here's a list of what filers need to bring with them; when in doubt, bring it along.

·Proof of identity

·Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number letter for all individuals to be listed on the return

·2007 State/Federal returns

·Copies of all income forms, such as W-2s, 1098s, 1099s and Social Security

·Amounts of any other income, such as tips, gambling winnings, or wages not on a W-2

·Child care provider's identification number, address and amount paid

·Amounts/dates of estimated or other tax payments made, etc.

·Bank documents showing routing and account numbers if requesting direct deposit/debit

·2007 Economic Stimulus Payment amount

·Property Tax amount, even if you don't itemize

·Supporting documents for all itemized figures, especially non-cash charitable contributions and medical expenses (i.e., medical premiums, copays, dental and prescription drugs, mileage to and from appointments, etc)

·Powers of Attorney if signing for spouse or others

·Divorce decrees regarding dependency and tax credits
We look forward to helping team Kirtland file their 2008 Income Tax returns accurately and promptly.

For those that have some time and expertise to donate, the Tax Center can always use more volunteer preparers and administrative assistants.

The Internal Revenue Service provides exceptional resources for self-study and our experienced volunteers are available to assist as well. Contact Capt. Melissa Chlarson at 846-2934 or Tom Baltes at 298-1256 if interested or you want more information.