The primary mission of the Tax Center is to provide free computerized preparation and electronic filing of Federal and California state income tax returns to military personnel and eligible dependents.
The Tax Center is staffed by volunteers who are certified to prepare returns by both the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board. This popular program provides tax preparation services to hundreds of customers each year.
As many of you recall, due to a severe shortage of manpower, the 2015 Tax Center was limited in its size and scope. For the 2016 tax season, anyone eligible for legal assistance under AFI 51-504 is eligible for the Tax Center’s services.
Dates, location
The Tax Center is scheduled to open Feb. 2, 2016, and remain open through April 14. The center will tentatively be open 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. The center is located in Bldg. 7210 at 1100 Kincheloe Ave. near the U.S. Post Office.
Appointments
We anticipate taking appointments starting Jan. 19, 2016. To schedule an appointment, please call 661-275-ETAX during the below hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. to noon
When you call, you will be told what you will need to bring to your Tax Center appointment. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments take priority and walk-ins will be seen contingent upon the availability of a preparer.
Volunteers
The 2016 Edwards AFB Tax Center is still looking for volunteers to help during the upcoming tax season.
Each year, the U.S. Air Force assists military members and their families by providing free income tax preparation and filing. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program depends on the support of volunteers who can commit their time and effort to preparing and filing tax returns.
In past tax seasons, the Tax Center has saved the Edwards AFB community more than $100,000 in tax prep fees. The success of this program is due to the dedication and active participation of volunteers from the community. Whether military or civilian, officer or enlisted, anyone interested can volunteer. Volunteers will be considered to be on duty when volunteering at the Tax Center.
Volunteers will act as IRS-certified tax preparers; accordingly, volunteers must complete the IRS certification course. Volunteers will also need to attend in-person IRS and California Franchise Tax Board trainings. The IRS training will run from Jan. 12-15, 2016 and the California Franchise Tax Board training will run from Jan. 19-22. Both trainings will be held on base.
If anyone is interested, contact Capt. Jorge Martinez at Jorge.Martinez.18@us.af.mil, or call 661-277-4310.