LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- -- The Laughlin Legal Office will be offering free federal income tax preparation and e-filing to Laughlin's active duty, retirees and their dependents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program Feb. 4 through April 15.
The VITA program was established by the Internal Revenue Service as a means to provide tax preparation and filing assistance to low to moderate income individuals and families, generally $42,000 and below, said Tech. Sgt. Marcia Caston, VITA coordinator with the 47th Flying Training Wing legal office. The program does not allow for individuals with businesses or complicated issues to prepare taxes. These customers may be referred to a paid preparer, said Sergeant Caston.
"If you decide to meet with VITA to file your taxes, you will need to bring the following items with you to your appointment," said Sergeant Caston.
· Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
· Prof of identification
· Birth dates for you, and all family members on the tax return
· Current year's tax package if you received one
· Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
· Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
· A copy of last year's Federal and State returns if available
· Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
· Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employee Identification Number
· To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
"This program is an extremely easy way to avoid worrying about your taxes this year," said Maj. Matthew Van Dalen, 47th FTW JAG commander. "It's a professional way to ensure you get your full return with an absolutely painless process."
It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number. The most accurate information is usually located on your original Social Security Card, said Sergeant Caston. If you have recently been married, you must use the name reflected on your Social Security Card. Each year, hundreds of thousands of returns are delayed in processing, or credit/deductions are disallowed because names and Social Security Numbers do not match Social Security Administration records.
To prevent processing delays in paper returns and rejected electronically filed returns, volunteers check the accuracy of each Social Security Number, as well as the spelling of the name associated with the number. If you do not have a Social Security Number for you or a dependent, you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application. This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office. For more information from the Social Security Administration, people can also go to www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
If you qualify for VITA assistance and would like an appointment, you should contact 2nd Lt. Thomas Gilkey or Sergeant Caston at 298-5172.