UNCLASSIFIED
ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE  
ROUTINE
R 131653Z DEC 16 ZYB
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC
TO NAVADMIN
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UNCLAS

NAVADMIN 271/16

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

SUBJ/2017 VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)/ELECTRONIC TAX FILING (ELF) 
PROGRAM//

REF/A/MSG/CNO/172000Z NOV 15//
AMPN/REF A IS NAVADMIN 268/15//
POC/MARIN/LT/OJAG 16/JAG/TEL: (202) 685-4637/DSN: 325-4637//

RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN provides notice and information regarding the 2017 
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. In fact, in tax year 2015, volunteers with the program 
saved Service members and Dependents an estimated $500,000 in tax preparation 
fees and provided over 14 million dollars in expedited tax refunds.

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@navy.mil.

7. Released by Vice Admiral J. G. Foggo, Director, Navy Staff.//

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