UNCLASSIFIED

ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE  

ROUTINE

R 112126Z DEC 17 ZYB

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC

TO NAVADMIN

INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC

BT
UNCLAS

NAVADMIN 286/17

MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/DEC//

SUBJ/2018 VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)/ELECTRONIC TAX FILING (ELF) 
PROGRAM//

REF/A/MSG/CNO/281431Z OCT 14//

AMPN/REF A IS NAVADMIN 252/14//
POC/MARIN/LT/OJAG 16/JAG/TEL:  (202) 685-4637/DSN:  325-4637//

RMKS/1.  This NAVADMIN provides notice and information regarding the
2018 VITA/ELF Program.  This message supersedes reference A.

2.  The VITA/ELF Program is managed by Naval Legal Service Command to provide 
free electronic tax filing services for Sailors, dependents, and retirees 
with a focus on assisting Service members E6 and below.  Last year, fleet 
volunteers helped thousands of Service members and dependents avoid paying 
tax preparation fees.

3.  This program reduces the effort and cost involved in preparing and filing 
federal and state tax returns.
    a.  Volunteers assist Sailors and dependents at no cost.
    b.  Refunds are deposited an average of two weeks from the date of 
filing, reducing the lure of commercial refund anticipation loans which have 
high interest rates and fees.

4.  Self-service tax preparation, using free tax filing software, is 
available to all Sailors, dependents, and qualifying retirees to file their 
tax returns at CONUS and OCONUS tax centers.  Tax centers are staffed by IRS 
trained and certified volunteers to assist with tax filing.

5.  Commands must ensure Sailors are aware of their personal responsibility 
to file tax returns and that free Navy services are available to them.

6.  Tax assistance centers depend on local commands for personnel, equipment, 
and facilities.  This program merits serious consideration in every command's 
allocation of manpower and resources and is a particularly good use of 
talented Limited Duty Sailors.
    a.  Commands are encouraged to identify those who are willing to work as 
full or part-time volunteers at tax centers.
    b.  Volunteers require training in advance of assignment to a tax center.  
Volunteers will be advised of training sessions by tax center managers prior 
to execution of duties.  Commands that can provide Sailors as VITA/ELF 
volunteers should contact their local Region Legal Service Office as soon as 
possible.  Region Legal Service Office contact information can be accessed at 
the following web address:
www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/legal_services_locator_RLSO.htm.
    c.  Commands interested in setting up their own program should contact LT 
Alexandra Marin at the Office of the Judge Advocate General (Code 16) at 
(202) 685-4637 DSN:  325-4637 or alexandra.marin(AT)navy.mil.

7.  Released by Vice Admiral K. M. Donegan, Director, Navy Staff.//

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