Tax season kicks off Published Feb. 13, 2007 PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- The 2006 tax season is in full swing, and with it, the 21st Space Wing Tax Center. The center offers tax preparation assistance through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. About 30 individuals have volunteered to help prepare taxes throughout the Peterson Complex, Cheyenne Mountain and Thule. Most of these volunteers attended a week-long training course taught by IRS personnel, have passed a comprehensive IRS test and are qualified to assist with tax preparation. Those eligible to use the program include: Active duty and retired military Legal dependents of active duty and retired military Widow(ers) of active duty and retired military National Guard members activated on Title 10 orders Activated Reservists on orders or during their duty weekend Ex-spouses of active duty and retired military (20/20 rule and must hold ID card) Contact your unit VITA representative to schedule an appointment. If you are assigned to a unit without a representative, contact the Peterson Tax Center at 556-4871. A basic return normally consists of income and daycare and/or education credits. If your return consists of a Schedule A, C, D or anything with questions, request more time when making appointments. Check previous year's return before calling for an appointment. For those single active duty members, a drop-off tax preparation service is offered. Drop off documents in the Base Legal Office, Building 350, room 2068, no appointment needed, but ensure all tax source documents are in order. After completing a questionnaire you will be notified by e-mail or phone when the return is complete. This service is only for those filing a 1040EZ. The VITA program is not designed to assist those taxpayers with complicated Schedule C, D or E. If you fall into one of these categories, or if your tax situation is complex in some other way, call the Tax Center and explain your circumstance prior to making an appointment. For information about the VITA program or for general tax-related questions, call the Tax Center during duty hours at 556-9306. To schedule a tax preparation appointment in the Tax Center call 556-4871. Required documents from tax clients: Military ID card Social Security cards for all tax payers and dependents Names and dates of birth for all dependents W-2 forms - wages 1099-R - Retirement income (if applicable) W-2G forms - gambling income (if applicable) 1099-INT and 1099-OID - interest income (if applicable) 1099-DIV - dividend income (if applicable) 1099-MISC - miscellaneous income including rents (if applicable) 1098s - e.g., sent by mortgage company (if applicable) Charitable donations receipts (if applicable) Casualty or theft losses receipts (if applicable) Medical deductions receipts (if applicable) Sale of your home - purchase settlement statements; sale settlement statements; improvement expenses (if applicable) Voided check for direct deposit (used to verify bank routing number and account number.) No one knows your tax situation better than you do, and failure to provide the needed documents may reduce your tax refund. Click here for a list of qualified volunteers.