VITA representatives needed to save Sabers big bucks Published Dec. 14, 2009 By Senior Airman Kali L. Gradishar 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Just as it does every year, tax season rolls around and sometimes people become frazzled with trying to get everything in order and filed correctly. Servicemembers and their families, however, can prepare their taxes with a trained tax assistant without leaving their unit or by making a short trip to the base legal office. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program servicemembers and their families receive free tax preparation assistance. Volunteers are needed in order for the VITA program to be successful. "We'll have a dual system here," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Schichler, 52nd Fighter Wing legal office. "There will be self-help computers with the tax program, and trained VITA representatives will be there ensuring people are filing their taxes correctly. "There will also be trained people available by appointment for more complex filings." The VITA representatives will receive training Jan. 11-14, and the base legal office is looking for at least 30 to 40 people to become trained to assist their fellow servicemembers. Volunteers require tax training to become a certified VITA representative. There are a number of reasons to become a volunteer, to include obtaining tax training from an Internal Revenue Service expert and certification, learning skills that can lead to future career opportunities, and helping Sabers file their tax returns, which can save friends and co-workers thousands of dollars in preparation fees. "Basically, it's the fact that volunteers will be helping their fellow Airmen," Sergeant Schichler said. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, call the legal office at DSN 452-6796 or e-mail 52fw.jaadm@spangdahlem.af.mil.