Vance volunteer tax center opens Published Nov. 2, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The Vance Volunteer Income Tax Assistance center is now open and waiting for taxpayers to file their 2005 tax returns. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in the community chapel activity center, Bldg. 528. "People filing tax returns can save a minimum of $100 by filing with the VITA center instead of commercially," said Ed Myer, tax center manager. The center has several volunteers who attended a week-long training class and then tested for their certification. "They know all the rules and exemptions to help people prepare their returns," Mr. Myer said. The center is also more familiar with military issues than off-base preparation locations and is equipped to file federal and state returns on paper or by e-file. Airman Kenneth DeGracia, 71st Mission Support Group commander's support staff, plans to use the VITA center. "It's the best choice for where to file," he said. "It's on base, so it's convenient; these volunteers are donating their time so we can have this benefit; and best of all, it's free." Taxpayers should make sure to have all their W-2s when filing, Mr. Myer said. Missed information may mean fees from the Internal Revenue Service or an amended return. Mr. Myer offered a few suggestions for what federal tax form to use when filing: Choose the simplest form The three forms used for filing individual federal income tax returns are Form 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040. If filing a federal income tax return on paper, use the simplest form applicable. Using the simplest allowable form will reduce the chance of an error that may cost money or delay the processing of the return. 1040EZ Taxpayers may qualify to use Form 1040EZ, the simplest form, if: n Taxable income is below $100,000 n Filing status is Single or Married Filing Jointly n Under age 65 n Not claiming any dependents n Interest income is $1,500 or less 1040A Form 1040A is applicable if: n Taxable income is below $100,000 n Filer has capital gain distributions n Claiming certain tax credits n Claiming deductions for IRA contributions, student loan interest, educator expenses or higher education tuition and fees 1040 Filers must file form 1040 if: n Taxable income is $100,000 or more n Claiming itemized deductions n Reporting self-employment income n Reporting income from sale of property (The VITA center contributed to this article)