JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
With tax filing season just around the corner, the Randolph AFB Tax Center is looking for volunteers to help members of the Randolph community with their 2011 income tax returns.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is run in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and supervised by specialists from the base legal office.
According to Lamarr Queen, Randolph tax coordinator, volunteers from last year saved 1,719 Randolph members more than $399,000 in preparation fees and secured more than $3.5 million in tax refunds.
"It is amazing to me how we just keep increasing our numbers year after year," Queen said. "I didn't think we could top the numbers from the 2010 filing season, but last year's numbers surpassed all my expectations. Our VITA tax preparers were remarkable. Their professionalism and dedication to the Randolph community and the tax center never cease to amaze me. It was an honor for me to work with each of them during the tax filing season. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our program. Their gracious donations of time and effort make this an invaluable program for our Team Randolph members. They deserve all the thanks we can give them."
Queen said he's excited to return as this year's tax coordinator. They are looking at several new ideas for the tax center including the possibility of being open one or two evenings each week.
"Thanks to the wonderful remodeling job the 902nd Civil Engineering squadron did last year, we will be located in the same building, building 202, here on Randolph again this year," Mr. Queen said.
Captain Hess also looks forward to working with this year's volunteers.
"The service provided at our tax center helps relieve at least the stress that comes with filing taxes," he said. "Life-changing events such as a death of a spouse, a birth of a child, or a purchase of a new home may have unanticipated tax consequences, good or bad. Our volunteers provide a great service to help clients navigate these issues. I think it is great that so many are willing to help at such an important time of year."
Volunteers can be active duty, civilian employees, retired members or their dependents. This year's free IRS training for VITA representatives will be held Dec. 12-16 on Randolph. This course will teach volunteers how to prepare tax returns and handle a wide array of specific tax issues.
Randolph VITA volunteers are encouraged to assist clients by pulling at least one four-hour shift per week at the tax center. However, volunteers won't have to come to the tax center to prepare taxes. They will be able to set their own schedules for clients and operate from any Internet-connected computer in their duty sections or at home.
Because tax assistance may be accomplished mostly during duty hours, unit commanders and supervisors must give interested individuals their permission before volunteering.
No experience is needed to be a volunteer; the VITA program will provide training. The tax center can also use general assistance in receptionist duties, filing and making copies.
To volunteer for the VITA tax program, call Queen at the tax center at 652-1040; the base legal office at 652-6781; or e-mail Queen at jonnie.queen.1@us.af.mil.