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Tax help available on base

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Robert Brady Jr.
  • Legal Assistance
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Scott Air Force Base Tax Office opened Wednesday. This year the tax clinic is located in Bldg. P-10, Room C-205, 215 Heritage Drive.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance office provides high quality tax-return preparation services with a focus on junior Airmen and retirees. Additionally, the tax office has a dedicated self-help lab available for all military personnel to come in to complete, save and e-file 2011 federal and state tax returns online through militaryonesource.com, using H&R Block software. Staff will be on hand answer questions and 24/7 support is available from H&R Block.

During the tax season the clinic will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tax Day is April 17 this year. The office will be operating by appointment only for VITA volunteer preparation, with the last appointment of the day at 3 p.m. Come in any time without an appointment to access militaryonesource.com. Terminals will be available to access the software in the self-help lab on a walk-in basis.

The VITA program is available to individuals filing income tax returns under $49,000 per year. Those eligible to take advantage of the VITA program include: active duty personnel, Reservists, National Guard, family members, military retirees, and federal civilian employees (not including NAF employees or contractors). There is no income restriction for the self-help lab. The Tax Center also has a complete list of tax preparation referral agencies in the local area for those not eligible for the VITA program or access to militaryonesource.com.

Our volunteers are certified following a comprehensive IRS test and are qualified to assist you within the scope of the VITA program. VITA volunteers are qualified to file forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, Schedules A and B. Unfortunately, the office cannot process any state returns through VITA--including Missouri and Illinois. Additionally, the office cannot provide assistance if people operate a personal business (except child care for military dependents), own rental property, or have a stock portfolio. The clinic utilizes e-filing for your tax returns.

Appointments can be made by contacting 618-256-1040 any time after February 1st, 2012 during normal business hours. Prior to 1 February please contact 618-256-3542, the Base Legal Office, to schedule an appointment. Please call with any questions you may have about the program.