Tax center opens, assists for season Published Jan. 12, 2007 By Capt. Rimpa Patel and Mr. Robbie Troupe 325th Fighter Wing Base Legal Office TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Aside from being a new beginning, the dawn of the New Year means income tax season is right around the corner. While most treasure tax time as much as being hit over the head with a frying pan, some members of Team Tyndall enjoy the tax assistance program offered here. The 325th Fighter Wing Legal Office will provide free tax help, to include electronic filing for active duty members and their families, as well as members of the retirement community. Beginning in January, the Tax Center staff will review your returns, check them and aid you in tax filing. Although the concept of federal income taxes can be intimidating to most, more than 45 members of Team Tyndall are trained and qualified as Volunteer Income Tax Assistants. These individuals will prepare federal income tax returns, free of charge, for all military identification card holders. Not only will they be available to assist you, they will have critical IRS information readily available on topics such as the earned income credit, additional child credit, deductions and other important financial aspects. The Tax Center will open Jan. 22 - April 13 at the Community Activities Center. Its hours of operations will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Assistance will be given at the Tax Center by appointment only. When going to the Base Legal Office to consult with a VITA, please bring the following documents in order to prepare your taxes: - A copy of your social security cards for taxpayer, spouse and all dependents. - A voided check if you desire direct deposit of your return. - Form W-2 from each employer. Active duty members may obtain this from www.mypay.dfas.mil. - Childcare or daycare expense information. You will also need name, social security number and address of the childcare provider. - Bank interest income statements. If you have any additional sources of income, such as rental property, sales of stocks or any other income source, supporting documentation must be provided to prepare an accurate return. In addition, tax filers may wish to take advantage of the Tax Center's free electronic filing program. By bringing a voided check to the Tax Center when you file, you can choose any checking account, regardless of its location, in which your return is deposited. By filing electronically, VITAs can track the status of your income tax filing at a click of a button. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Base Legal Office at 283-4681.