The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance tax center opened its doors today for Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve and Public Health personnel.

There are 35 volunteers at the VITA office to include 27 tax preparers with the ability to conduct 10 appointments at a time.

“The volunteers here are IRS certified tax preparers,” according to Skip Barkley, VITA site coordinator.

“It’s important that people understand that our requirements for identification might appear to be a little more strict than some other places because we must follow IRS requirements.” Barkley said.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The VITA office will also open its doors on selected Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Retirees can begin scheduling appointments on Feb. 9.

“It’s absolutely free, we’ll prepare service member’s and retiree’s taxes for them” Barkley said.

The VITA office is located on the corner of Craycroft and Ironwood, in building 3210. Call 228-3489 to schedule an appointment.