• Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What is the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and what does the VITA Program provide to me?

  The VITA Program is managed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide free online income tax preparation software for taxpayers. Officers and retirees of the USPHS Commissioned Corps and other participating uniformed services can use this program regardless of their income level.

  What type of software does the VITA program use?

  VITA uses TaxSlayer.

  How much does it cost?

  Preparing and filing taxes through the TaxSlayer software provided by VITA is 100% free. It includes federal and state returns that may be prepared electronically and e-filed.  While the regular free TaxSlayer program has an income limit, the VITA version does not.

  Who can access and use the TaxSlayer VITA Program link?

  • Active duty and ready reserve officers of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps can use TaxSlayer through the link on the Officer Secure Area (OSA).
  • Retirees of USPHS Commissioned Corps and other participating uniformed services who have access to the Coast Guard's Direct Access (DA) portal can use the link to TaxSlayer on DA.
  • Users should not share the TaxSlayer VITA Program link.
  • Users should access TaxSlayer through the Microsoft Edge browser as there have been issues in the past with other browsers.

  Will VITA be available to officers overseas or in remote locations?

  Yes, the TaxSlayer VITA Program link is offered online through a unique URL provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If officers can access the OSA and retirees can access the Coast Guard's DA portal, they can access TaxSlayer.

  Will I be required to create an account on the TaxSlayer VITA Program link?

  Yes, a login and password will be required to begin and complete filing taxes. Individuals will use the same login and password in subsequent years.

  Does the site save entered information automatically?

  The site automatically saves the information online, not on the user's computer. The officer must access their tax return via the Internet through a username and password.

  Can I use the TaxSlayer VITA Program link on my mobile device?

  No, there is no mobile application to access the TaxSlayer VITA Program link. It can only be accessible behind the secure portals; OSA for active duty and reserves, DA for retirees.

  The TaxSlayer VITA Program link only works on the Microsoft Edge internet browser. Historically, users have experienced issues using other browsers such as Google Chrome.

  When is the TaxSlayer VITA Program link available?

  The link to TaxSlayer's free filing software becomes available in late January before tax season begins and remains available until late October.

  Who do I contact if I have questions about my taxes?

  If you have any questions, you may contact Mr. Rawlin Tate (Rawlin.Tate@irs.gov). He is with the Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) National Partnerships. He is available to assist officers with federal tax law questions during specific hours of operation. Questions that pertain to state income taxes should be referred to the appropriate state office.

  Do not contact the Commissioned Corps Headquarters (CCHQ) or U.S. Coast Guard Pay & Personnel Center (PPC).

  What are the specific hours of operation for Mr. Tate?

  He will be available by email from 9 am – 5 pm Monday -  Friday, and makes all efforts to respond quickly.

  What do I do if there is an issue with the software?

  TaxSlayer provides a tech support telephone number for software concerns. Furthermore, Mr. Rawlin Tate with the IRS can assist with tax questions.

  Can I share the link with my spouse, family members, or friends?

  No, the URL is not to be shared with anyone. However, an officer can use the program to complete joint taxes with their spouses.

  What should I do if there are issues after filing my taxes using the VITA program?

  Ultimately, each individual is responsible for their own taxes. Should they receive a notice from the IRS, the individual should follow the instructions provided in the notice. The USPHS Commissioned Corps cannot assist with advice and counsel related to these matters nor will it provide representation to negotiate with the IRS.

  When will the link be available?

  The link to TaxSlayer will be available January 27^th on both OSA and DA.

  Am I able to import my previous tax returns?

  TaxSlayer will only import your previous tax data if you used TaxSlayer last year. Taxes prepared through another site or program in previous years cannot be imported into TaxSlayer. Similarly, you will not be able to export your TaxSlayer data for use in other programs. However, you can save your return as a PDF.

  Can I use the VITA program once I separate or retire from the USPHS Commissioned Corps?

  The VITA link will be available for retirees via Direct Access (DA), the payment system established by the USCG. Because current USPHS Commissioned Corps officers access the VITA link through the OSA, officers who separate (without retiring) and are no longer able to logon to OSA, cannot access the VITA link.

  What happens if I start my tax return while on active duty and retire before filing?

  If the taxpayer uses the same username and password to login to the TaxSlayer VITA program, it does not matter if they accessed it through the link on OSA or DA.

  Can returns filed through VITA be exported?

  No, users cannot export returns prepared through the TaxSlayer software through the URL link to another vendor's tax software for tax preparation. They can save the file as a PDF.

  Are we able to sample the software or receive screenshots of the software in order to gauge user friendliness?

  Yes, you can sample the software. You can use the link to try the program out and quit at any time before filing the return. However, you cannot export data from TaxSlayer into other tax programs.

  Can officers file for an extension on their taxes through the software?

  Yes, Form 4868, “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” may be filed through the link.

  If an extension is granted, does an officer continue to use the username and password that is granted from the URL link to complete their taxes?

  Yes, the officer should continue to use the same username and password to complete the officer's federal and state return.
• USER ASSISTANCE

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