Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The VITA program provides free individual income tax
preparation for all military personnel and dependants eligible for legal
assistance (e.g. active duty, retirees, reservists, dependants, etc.).
The program is a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
and the Military.
Downloads
Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet
(Bring this form filled out to expedite the check in process)
Tax News Letter
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is VITA?
VITA's office is located on Mainside in Bldg. 1687 year-round.
VITA Clerk: (760) 763-2518
VITA Fax: (760) 763-2516
During Tax Season, 2 satellite offices are open:
San Onofre Community Center (760) 725-4310
Abby Reinke Community Center (760) 763-0650
Am I eligible to receive assistance at VITA?
As stated above, the Military VITA program provides free individual (not
business) income tax preparation for all military personnel and
dependants eligible for legal assistance; in other words, active duty,
retirees, reservists and dependants.
What are your hours of operation on the off season?
We are open on Mon.-Fri. from 0800-1100 and 1300-1600.
What are your hours of operation during the tax season?
The main office is open on Tues.-Fri. from 0800-1800 and Sat from 0800-1300.
The satellite offices are open Tues.-Fri. from 0800-1600 and Sat. from 0800-1300.
What Do I need to bring?
- The Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet filled out.(To expedite check-in process)
- Military Identification Card(s)
- Social Security Card(s) and Dependents’ Date of Birth
- Power of Attorney (e.g., Married Filing Joint, Spouse Deployed)
- Last Year’s Federal and State Tax Returns
- Economic Stimulus Payment IRS Notice CP 1378 (to obtain required
information visit IRS.GOV to obtain a printout of
what you received
it can be used in lieu of CP 1378)
- Wage statements – Form W-2
- Pension or Retirement Income – Form 1099R
- Record of Purchase or Sale of Residence
- Alimony Paid or Received (Payer’s/Payee’s Name and Social Security
Number)
- IRA Contributions
- Student Loan Interest - Form 1098-E
- Rental Income and expenses
- Interest and Dividend Income – Form 1099-INT/ Form-1099-DIV
- State Income Tax Refund Amount – Form 1099-G
- Social Security Income – Form SSA-1099
- Unemployment Income – Form 1099-G
- Commissions Received/Paid information on sales of Stocks or Bonds
– Form 1099-B
- Self-Employment Business Income & expenses and any Form 1099-MISC
- Lottery or Gambling Winnings Form W-2G
- Income from Partnerships, S Corporations
Trusts and Estates-Schedule K-1
Do you have other offices on Camp Pendleton?
During tax season we have 2 satellite offices. 1 in the Abby Renkie
Community center and the other in the San Onefre Community Center.
Where is the Main VITA office located?
We are located on Mainside. If you are coming from the front gate, you
go down Vandergrift like your going through Mainside to get to the back
gate. Turn right on 11th St, left on C St., right on 7th St. and our
office is going to be a 2 story building on your left hand side. We are
on the first floor. BLDG 1687
What do I need to bring?
Military ID, all W2s, Social Security Cards of any dependents, all IRS
forms (ex: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, Mortgage interest statement, Property
statements, 1098-T, EIN or SSN for Day Care) documentation for Itemized
Deductions.
Does VITA prepare Schedule C?
No we do not. Our tax prepares are IRS certified. However, they are
qualified to prepare beginning, intermediate and military tax returns.
Any other complicated return must be prepared by a tax preparation
professional.
Can I make an appointment?
VITA prepares returns strictly by a walk-in, first come, first served
policy.
Does my spouse have to be there if I am filing a Joint return?
Unless you have a Power of Attorney giving you permission to sign for
your spouse or are filing a paper return, your spouse does need to be
present with you to sign the e-file 8879 form required by the IRS.
Do you prepare Amendments to previous year’s taxes?
Yes. However, we are very busy during the tax season assisting tax
payers with current year returns. We ask that any amendments that need
to be filed wait until after April 15th
What do I need to bring when I do amend my taxes?
You need to bring your original return and documentation for any
information that needs to get fixed, added or removed.
I have a specific tax question not addressed here. Where can I go to
find the answer?
The best resource, believe it or not, is the IRS. They are here to help
you. Much information can be found on their website, www.irs.gov or
obtained by calling them on their helpline toll free at 1-800-829-1040.
You might also try your local office which can be found on the IRS
website