MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- According to the 2011 statistics obtained through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Camp Pendleton’s VITA center can compete with other renowned tax services by obtaining quick and accurate tax services and refunds.
VITA, operated by servicemembers in the Fleet Assistant Program from different units across Camp Pendleton, offers free tax preparation services to all military personnel, retirees, and their families.
VITA continues to improve the quality of their services to help make tax preparation a smooth process by adding more service desks and improving customer service.
“We have about 27 Marines and one (contract worker) working at VITA,” said 1st Lt. Grant W. McDowell, VITA officer in charge. “All of our personnel have been trained in the Internal Revenue Service tax software and have had a seven-to-eight week study period, a week of hands-on tax training and another week of training from California state.”
VITA has further refurnished their facility and improved customer services over the last year by requiring materials from customers to speed up the process.
Last year, between January and March, we have helped roughly 4,210 customers with federal taxes, this year we have helped around 4,328 customers,” said Staff Sgt. Django V. Quintos, VITA staff noncommissioned officer in charge and legal specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “According to Vince Mullett, the senior stakeholder relationship tax consultant, we have had a five-percent increase in our customers’ tax refund [compared to] the previous year.”
VITA also has a 93-percent satisfied customer rate or positive feedback in their Interactive Customer Evaluation comments, according to McDowell.
The personnel have worked together to develop solutions for problems encountered last year, like some states not being compatible with the software and duplicated information. The tax assistance center also implemented a method to make the tax preparation process faster and smoother.
“Because of the lack of customer service from last year, we have put forth a set schedule and process for the customers when they check in to our office,” said Cpl. Adam R. Brenner, a VITA specialist. “There are a few documents they need to fill out and provide to help us give them the most out of their taxes and make the process go by faster.”
The personnel not only obtain useful work experience, but also a feeling of joy from the satisfaction of their customers.
“Doing this job has helped me learn a good skill that I can carry on into the work force of the civilian world,” said Cpl. Ryan M. Gracey, a VITA specialist. “I enjoy helping my customers and finding solutions to any problems they may have to help prevent future mishaps.”
People are satisfied with the help VITA provides and helps improve our services with direct feedback, said McDowell.
“This is an overwhelming experience, yet another tool in my box of professions,” said Quintos. “Being with the Marines is a journey in itself, interacting with diverse personalities and (military occupational specialties).”