MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- TAXES - It's a simple word, but one that brings fear to those confused by lengthy tax forms and glee to those who love crunching numbers (or who love preying on the confusion of others). 

Regardless of which group folks fall into, the McConnell Legal Office has good news!
As in past years, the McConnell Team will provide free tax preparation for all team members. 

Through the McConnell Tax Program, Unit Tax Advisors from squadrons throughout the base will provide tax preparation for the individuals in their units. 

The importance of UTAs cannot be overstated - they are the backbone of the tax program. During 2005, UTAs provided tax services to 1,300 active duty and retired military members and their families, resulting in $2,035,148 in tax refunds. These efforts saved Team McConnell members $301,043 in tax preparation fees! 

So, if taxes are confusing (or you simply do not want to file on your own), have no fear, a UTA can help you! Or, for those gifted souls that enjoy helping others and would enjoy preparing taxes for others, become a UTA. 

While prior tax preparation experience is helpful, it is not needed to become a UTA. In fact, all UTAs will attend a one-week training session to learn (or review) the necessary tax preparation skills. 

The training will be conducted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Jan. 9 through 13, 2006. 

But please be advised that UTAs should not have PCS orders or lengthy TDYs scheduled between January and April 2006.
UTAs are still needed for many of the squadrons throughout base. 

To volunteer as an UTA or if you have questions about the Tax Program, please contact 
Capt. Jared Hawkins, Staff Sgt. Doris Raver, or Staff Sgt. Michael Badilla at ext. 3590.
Visit the McConnell Legal Office for help with other legal questions during walk-in legal assistance hours: Mondays 2 to 3 p.m.; Thursdays 10 to 11 a.m.; and every second 

Tuesday 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. by appointment. 

If the above times are not convenient, call the Legal Office at ext. 3590 for an appointment.