VITA office provides assistance during tax season Published Jan. 17, 2012 DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Are you daunted by the thought of preparing your tax returns this year? Have you received a notice from the IRS? Do you want to ensure you are receiving the maximum refund you are entitled to? If so, the Davis-Monthan Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office is here to help. Tax assistance at VITA is free and available to airmen, soldiers, marines, guardsman, dependents and retirees. Most service members file their tax returns electronically at their tax centers and, by selecting direct deposit, receive their refunds in as little as one week. This combined effort ensures that service members receive free tax assistance from well-trained and equipped military tax preparers. What should you bring to your appointment? Items to bring to the VITA site to have your tax return prepared include: · Proof of identification · Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration · Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents · Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN · Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return · Wage and earning statement(s) such as such as Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, and Social Security Form SSA-1099 · Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) · A copy of last year's federal and state returns if available · Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check · Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number) · All appropriate expense information such as medical, home mortgage interest, real estate taxes, charitable contributions, child care expenses, and student loan and un-reimbursed education expenses. · Any information on rental property and investment sales; applicable powers of attorney 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. 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. What if I owe money? There are payment options available when filing electronically. If you owe money, you can make a payment by authorizing a one-time electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) from a checking or savings account, paying by credit (Discover Card, American Express, MasterCard or VISA Card), or by check or money order (payable to the United States Treasury) using Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher. If paying all at once is too burdensome, in many cases, the IRS will work with you to come to a mutually agreeable payment plan. Active Duty personnel may begin to make advance reservations for appointments starting Jan. 17, and military retirees can begin making appointments on Jan. 30, by calling 228-3489 between the hours of 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The office will also be open during the same period if you wish to make your appointment in person. The VITA office is located in the rear of Bldg. 3210 on the northwest corner of Craycroft and Ironwood.