A taxing success Published June 18, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Meagan K. Schutter 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- After another successful year, tax season is over here at Yokota's tax center. The center is available to base residents every year from February to June to get their taxes filed. This year Yokota received more volunteers than last year with a 24 person team that worked together to finish roughly 600 federal and state returns combined. Although the entire base is able to use this service every year, the most common customers the center sees coming in are retired service members and surviving spouses that live off base and may not know how to do taxes, according to Tech. Sgt. Tiffanie Vorkapich, NCO in charge of the tax center. Not only does the center get taxes done, but those who like to do taxes or want to help out the community can volunteer. "For those wanting to volunteer themselves to help out with the taxes next year, contact the legal office at the start of January," says Vorkapich. An Internal Revenue Service representative is contracted out at the end of January to teach base residents how to prepare taxes and give tips for future tax filings. This course is free and open to anyone on base. However, if residents don't want to volunteer and want the tax center to file their taxes, there are some things to keep in mind before setting up an appointment. Make sure that all of the required paperwork is on hand so that the process is expedited and appointment conflictions are avoided. "Always bring last year's taxes with you," said retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Donald Seymour a tax center volunteer. Another tip from Seymour is to maximize your Thrift Savings Plan account. This lowers your annual gross income and you can get tax exemption credits in return. Whether residents want to have their taxes filed for them or they want to volunteer, the tax center is open every year until June 15, to assist base residents with obtaining their annual refunds.