2015 Edwards AFB Tax Center volunteer opportunities, dates, eligibility Published Jan. 5, 2015 By Capt. Jorge Martinez Edwards Tax Center officer in charge EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 412th Test Wing Tax Center is still looking for volunteers to help during the upcoming tax season, which officially starts early next month and ends on April 15. 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. During the last tax season, the Tax Center saved the Edwards AFB community over $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. We request that all commanders and civilian leaders allow as many volunteers from their units to participate as is practicable. Volunteers will be considered to be on duty when volunteering at the Tax Center. Participants will act as IRS-certified tax preparers; accordingly, individuals who will be preparing tax returns must complete the IRS Certification Course. Volunteers will also need to take the California Franchise Tax Board course. The IRS Certification Course will run from Jan. 13 to 16. The California Franchise Tax Board course will run from Feb. 3 to 6. Both courses will be offered on base. Tax Center overview and eligibility The primary mission of the Edwards Tax Center is to provide free computerized preparation and electronic filing of federal and California state income tax returns for 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 has been providing these services to hundreds of customers each year. Due to a severe shortage of manpower, as a result of Force Shaping, this year's Tax Center will be limited in its size and scope; we will only be able to accommodate active duty personnel and their dependents. Dates and location The Tax Center is scheduled to open Feb. 9 and will run through April 15. As mentioned above, this year's Tax Center will be limited in its size and scope; accordingly, the Tax Center will tentatively be open on Mondays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4:30. The Tax Center is located in Bldg. 7210 at 1100 Kincheloe Ave. (near the Post Office). Appointments We anticipate taking appointments starting Jan. 20. To schedule an appointment call 661-275-ETAX during the below hours: Mondays & Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays: 8 a.m. to noon. When you make an appointment, you will be advised what you will need to bring. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments take priority and walk-ins will be seen contingent upon the availability of a preparer. Resources If you are unable to make an appointment with the Edwards AFB Tax Center, or if you are ineligible, there are other options available to you, which can assist you with your tax return filing. Military OneSource: Military OneSource is a confidential DOD funded program that offers a no-cost, electronic tax filing service. If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you may complete, save and file your federal and up to three state returns online at no cost. You may access the Military OneSource filing service at: https://www.militaryonesourceeap.org/achievesolutions/en/militaryonesource/Topic.do?centerId=1&topicId=1583 IRS: The IRS also provides free filing options for eligible filers. You can access the IRS Free File Software at: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free In addition, you can access general filing information from the IRS by visiting http://www.irs.gov/Filing and find answers to frequently asked questions by clicking http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Frequently-Asked-Questions. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact the Tax Center OIC, Capt. Jorge Martinez, at Jorge.Martinez.18@us.af.mil; or call 661-277-4310.