Unit tax advisors for 2010 tax season needed Published Nov. 18, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The 2010 tax season is rapidly approaching and the Elmendorf Tax Program seeks volunteers to prepare tax returns. As in the past, federal and state tax return preparation assistance will be offered to Airmen and their families. These services save Airmen the costs of paying a commercial agency to prepare their taxes and volunteers are needed to perform this service. For the 2009 tax season, Airmen saved $249,607 in tax prep fees. Elmendorf Airmen wanting to learn about income tax return preparation and personal finance can volunteer even if you have little or no experience. With your commander's approval, Airmen gain hands-on experience preparing other Airmen's tax returns. Volunteers will receive comprehensive training from Internal Revenue Service instructors from Jan.4-8. Additionally, volunteers will have the opportunity to travel to rural Alaska communities to prepare tax returns. Travel expenses are paid and per diem is provided. The Tax Office opens in late January. It closes at the end of the tax season in April. Volunteers should be willing to donate at least four to six hours per week. Only military and civilian employees with computer access may volunteer due to computer access requirements. Anyone interested in participating in the program as a volunteer tax assistor, should contact 1st Lt. Tyler Hiipakka at 552-9776 or tyler.hiipakka@elmendorf.af.mil.