R 261745Z OCT 09 

SUBJ VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) KICKOFF
A. LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, COMDTINST M5801.4E
1. THE DISTRICT NINE LEGAL OFFICE IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE D9
VITA TEAM!
2. VITA IS AN IRS SPONSORED PROGRAM THROUGH WHICH COAST GUARD
VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE TRAINING VIA THE INTERNET ON TAX RETURN
PREPARATION AND THEN ASSIST COAST GUARD MEMBERS, DEPENDENTS AND
CIVILIANS WITH PERSONAL TAX RETURN PREPARATION (I.E. 1040, 1040A,
1040EZ).  ALL TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE TAX
SOFTWARE, TAXWISE.
3. THE VITA PROGRAM IS AN OUTSTANDING WAY FOR COAST GUARD MEMBERS
TO HELP THEIR SHIPMATES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME GAINING TRAINING AND
EXPERIENCE WITH TAX RETURN PREPARATION.  VOLUNTEERS CAN BE
OFFICERS, ENLISTED, OR CIVILIANS.  THE MAIN REQUIREMENT IS FOR
VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE AND PASS THE BASIC VITA CERTIFICATION EXAM.
4. THE D9 VITA POC IS PO1 DAVID A. FUENTES.  PLEASE CONTACT AT HIM
AT 216.902.6010 OR DAVID.A.FUENTES(AT)USCG.MIL FOR MORE INFO.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. CDR ANDREW SUGIMOTO, STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE, SENDS.