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Tax season approaching

  • Published
  • By 375th Airlift Wing Legal Office
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The time of year has come that we all get to do the most of exciting things ... taxes.

When the bells are jingling, the chestnuts are roasting and Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose, it can only mean one thing--income tax season is right around the corner. Knowing that most cherish tax time about as much as a stocking full of coal, the 375th Airlift Wing Legal Office will be offering free tax help to Team Scott as a holiday gift. Unlike in the past, however, this year's gift will keep on giving long after the jolly IRS agent leaves that refund check in people's stocking.

In addition to our usual staff of VITA volunteers to assist Team Scott file taxes, this year's Tax Assistance Program will also focus on teaching Airmen and their families, civilians and other members of Team Scott how to file their federal income tax returns rather than simply doing it for them.

Of course, the thought of having to complete a federal income tax return can be harder to stomach than fruit cake - - which is why the Legal Office will provide all the resources needed to make sure nobody ends up on the IRS' naughty list.

There are many free avenues to could accomplish tax returns. The 375th Airlift Wing and participating tenant units have Unit Tax Advisors who can answer simple questions and accomplish initial tax returns. Additionally, www.IRS.gov offers several free software packages, for those who meet the income level criteria. Another useful site is www.MilitaryOneSource.com, which offers a vast amount of knowledge and assistance to active duty military members.

To ensure nobody is left out in the cold, IRS-trained volunteers will be embedded within units and at the tax center to answer questions that may arise. An IRS-based training will be from Jan. 12-16. The Team Scott Tax Center will open Jan. 26.. Anyone interested in assisting with the program should contact Tech. Sgt. Mary Gimler-Korthuis at 256-9414.