Taxing your patience? VITA can help Published Feb. 2, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover members can prepare and file their 2009 tax returns for free with the assistance of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance personnel. VITA volunteers will begin assisting Team Dover members with tax preparation and electronic filing Feb. 3. "The VITA program is designed to assist in filing returns and answer questions you may have. You can ask for a VITA Volunteer through your orderly room or support staff," said Staff Sgt. Beshara Taher, NCO in-charge of Claims & Investigations Division. "There are limitations on the services VITA volunteers may provide which would include: returns for private businesses, rental properties and excessive capital gains and or losses are beyond the scope of the program." The 436th Airlift Wing Legal Office advises Team Dover to have the following items available for filing the 2009 tax return: · Social security cards for all family members and a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration · Birth dates for all family members on the tax return · Current year's tax package (if available) · Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers · Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) · A copy of last year's Federal and State returns (if available) · Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit "It is extremely important the social security number of each person on the return is correct," said Sergeant Taher. "Each year hundreds of thousands of returns are delayed in processing or credit and deductions aren't approved because the names and SSN doesn't match the Social Security Administration records." In order to prevent processing delays in paper returns and rejected electronically filed returns, Sergeant Taher says the volunteers check the accuracy of each SSN, as well as the spelling of the name associated with the number. If you do not have a SSN for you or a dependent, you should complete Form SS-5, SSN Application and submit it at the nearest Social Security Administration Office. Members need to retain copies of completed tax returns for a minimum of three years in the event they are audited by the Internal Revenue Service. VITA volunteers do not keep copies of tax returns. "There is also another alternative for free assistance in preparing and filing returns, either on paper or electronically during this income tax season," said Sergeant Taher. "Airmen can also use a free online preparation - Military One Source." Log onto www.militaryonesource.com and get information on how to file taxes.