Ellsworth to offer free tax services to retirees, E-5s and below

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shanda L. De Anda
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Twenty-two volunteers trained for about 40 hours in preparation for the free, on-base tax services available Jan. 28 through April 30.
 
In addition to the training, which was provided by an Internal Revenue Service representative and a tax law expert from Black Hills State University, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program tax preparers were also required to pass an exam that took two to three days to complete. Completing this process has provided qualified volunteers, ready to serve the Ellsworth community. 

"Being in the military creates very unique issues regarding taxes," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Simmons, 28th Bomb Wing military justice paralegal. "Having the opportunity to sit down with a military VITA volunteer simplifies the process and makes the taxpayer feel assured that they are reporting the correct information.
 
"Trying to explain military matters to a civilian with zero military knowledge can be very frustrating at times, and VITA services are free." 

Tax services are available for staff sergeants and below, retirees and family members of each. Volunteers are trained to prepare taxes using forms 1040 EZ and 1040 A with schedules 1, 2 and 3; Form 1040 with schedule A, B, EIC and R; Form 1040 V, Form 1040 - ES, Form 2441, child and dependent care credit; Form 8863, education credits; and Form 8812, additional child tax credit. 

To take advantage of the free VITA program servicemembers, retirees and family members of the Ellsworth community should call the point of contact assigned to their group to schedule an appointment. POCs are: 

28th Bomb Wing staff agencies: Tech Sgt. Christopher Simmons at 385-2329
28th Mission Support Group: 1st Lt. Yalunda Akinloba at 385-1724
28th Maintenance Group: Tech. Sgt. Sterling Holmes at 385-5845
28th Medical Group: 2nd Lt. Terry Klein at 385-3110
28th Operations Group: Capt. Mark Mires at 385-4937
Air Force Financial Services Center: George Jewett at 385-8918


"It's a great service offered to folks who need it," said 1st Lt. Bronson Malcom, 28th BW legal assistance chief. "Tax rules for the military can be overwhelming, and tax center volunteers are trained specifically to handle those." 

VITA customers should bring the following items with them when they arrive at their appointment: 
 
All W-2s, 1099/1098s and other information about income 
Documentation for any deductions or credits they may be eligible for
A copy of 2006 tax returns (if available)
Direct deposit information for e-filing
Social Security cards for filer and dependents
Valid identification card 


Editor's Note: Electronic versions of W-2s, 1099s and 1099Rs are available for all military members and Department of Defense non-bargaining unit civilians through the MyPay Web site at mypay.dfas.mil.