TKS launches VAT relief program Published July 21, 2011 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Telepost Kabel-Service is scheduled to launch a value-added-tax relief program Aug. 1 for TKS telephone and Internet services. All U.S. Department of Defense members or ID card holders who normally qualify for German VAT exemption will now also be able to save 19 percent on their monthly TKS bills. The new relief program is for TKS specifically, said Stefanie Rolon, Spangdahelm Air Base Exchange TKS assistant supervisor. Other telephone or Internet service providers may not offer VAT exemption. To apply for VAT relief, Sabers should bring a VAT form to the TKS office at the base, and the VAT exemption will be applied to the next billing cycle. The program is structured so a VAT exemption is processed on a month-to-month basis, with one VAT form being applied to one billing cycle. Submitting a single VAT form does not provide umbrella coverage. Sabers can submit more than one VAT form at time to ensure VAT relief over several billing periods. To process the tax exemption, the forms must be received before the first of the month. "I love it," said Staff Sgt. Roberto Vazquez, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron and TKS customer. "It's about time. Now, I'll probably end up saving about $120 a year. "It all adds up. Even if you only save $5 a month, that's still money you've saved." The TKS VAT relief program is made possible through a close partnership between TKS and the Installation Management Command - Europe, which is responsible for the operation and administration of local VAT offices in Germany. For more information visit http://www.tkscable.com/vatfree.aspx.