Tax season arrives: volunteers needed for tax center

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jamal Sutter
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With tax season on the horizon, volunteers are needed to assist the tax center from Feb. 1 through the last week in May.

Military members, civilian contractors and dependants are eligible to volunteer and can go through their or their sponsor's first sergeant or command if interested, said Staff Sgt. Daniel Vargas, tax center NCO in charge.

No prior experience is necessary, but volunteers are required to complete a free-of-charge tax center course scheduled to be held on Jan. 20. The course will teach volunteers the appropriate skills to assist customers in properly filling out 1040-EZ and 1040-A forms.

"The training is going to take you step-by-step through what you need to know," Sergeant Vargas said. "It goes through a lot of information."

Anyone who can not attend the hands-on training course can still receive proper certification by completing an online course.

According to Sergeant Vargas, approximately 30 volunteers are expected to aid the tax center, the same amount seen last year. Depending on an individual's work schedule and other priorities, volunteers are encouraged to dedicate at least four hours a week to the tax center, he added.

Last year, the tax center saw more than 1,300 clients and processed more than 1,200 tax returns. It saved the Misawa community more than $200,000 in filing fees and returned more than $2.8 million to their pockets.

"The tax center is here for military members, especially since we're so remote," Sergeant Vargas said. "Most people have difficulties with taxes. It's better for them to come ask somebody before filing taxes on their own."

"The tax center has been quite helpful," said Erica Reese, 35th Fighter Wing historian and tax center customer. "Between my husband and I, our taxes are rather complicated. It was great to have someone available to help us figure out exactly what needed to be done."

The tax center opens Feb. 1. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 226-3948 or 226-2513.