Statement of Work - Tax Center Manager.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK

FOR SERVICES OF INSTALLATION TAX ADVISOR FOR

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Under the legal assistance program, Air Force attorneys provide advice and assistance to eligible beneficiaries concerning federal, state or income tax issues. The Air Force tax program (which remains separate and distinct from the legal assistance program) involves JA staff, volunteer service members, and other volunteers preparing and filing federal and state income tax returns for those eligible to receive this assistance. Staff Judge Advocates (SJAs) supervise and manage these programs at their bases, exercising discretion concerning the scope of assistance provided, eligible beneficiaries, and sources of support for training and electronic filing.

1.2 Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of this position is to provide tax information and assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

1.3 Organizational Goals and Objectives

The organizational goals and objectives of this position are to effectively conduct a tax information program that assists personnel in accurately preparing and submitting federal and state income tax returns.

1.4 Applicable Laws and Air Force Instructions

a) 26 U.S.C. 1 (Tax Imposed)

b) 26 U.S.C. 6151 (Time and place for paying tax shown on returns)

c) AFI 51-504, Legal Assistance, Notary, and Preventive Law Programs.

d) I.R.S. Publication 1084 (IRS Volunteer Site Coordinator’s Handbook

1.5 Government Furnished Materials

The Tax Center and all Tax Center equipment, including but not limited to computers, printers and office supplies.

2.0 AIR FORCE POINT OF CONTACT

The Air Force POC (AF POC) for this project is 366 Fighter Wing, Staff Judge Advocate (366 FW/JA), 366 Gunfighter St., STE 432, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648; telephone (208) 828-2238.

3.0 DUTIES TO PERFORM

3.1 Task 1

The Contractor shall serve as the Installation Tax Advisor at the Tax Center, inform personnel of changes in tax laws and regulations, and be primarily responsible for seeking and obtaining resolution to any and all individual tax issues eligible for tax center services. The Contractor shall be the subject matter expert on taxes, and shall plan and carry out the work at the Tax Center per the priorities of the Tax Center set by the Wing Staff Judge Advocate.

Standards

a) The Contractor will accurately interpret tax rules and changes in tax law.

b) The Contractor shall conduct regular spot checks on tax forms and support documents, verify computations, and ascertain transactions are properly supported in accordance with pertinent tax laws and regulations for all tax returns processed by the tax center.

3.2 Task 2

The Contractor shall receive and respond to telephonic and walk-in inquiries related to the tax program. The Contractor shall obtain information from clients and review income statements to determine eligibility for special tax programs and to determine tax obligations. The Contractor shall complete tax forms or assist clients in tax form completion. Additionally, as requested, the Contractor shall review client-prepared returns.

Standards

a) The Contractor will provide courteous and accurate answers to tax questions and shall advise individuals of appropriate filing procedures for both federal and state forms.

b) The Contractor will regularly assist individuals in the final preparation and review of state and federal tax returns.

c) In most instances, the Contractor shall ensure federal and state income tax publications are accurately maintained and posted in a timely manner.

3.3 Task 3

The Contractor shall serve as the focal point for the volunteer income tax advisors (VITAs). The Contractor shall manage the electronic filing program, coordinate with the IRS on complex issues, and assist VITAs in electronically submitting returns. The Contractor shall provide assistance for tax preparers, answer tax questions, and schedule VITAs to ensure adequate office manning. The Contractor shall provide oversight of volunteers’ activities and conduct quality control measures. The Contractor shall maintain records of the number of returns processed and the amount, types, and status of returns.

Standards

a) The Contractor shall schedule volunteers for work to provide adequate coverage in the Tax Centerand accurately advise them regarding tax issues.

b) The Contractor shall accurately accumulate statistics pertaining to the VITA.

c) The Contractor will o routinely coordinate with VITAs and organizational representatives regarding the types of forms uses, type of assistance sought, and type of support documents needed by personnel services.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

a) The period of performance shall be from 21 February 2012 to 20 April 2012, excluding federal holidays.

b) All tasks must be accomplished within the 40 hour work week, 0800 to 1600. No overtime is permitted.

c) The Tax Center will be available to the Contractor at all times during the period of performance for accomplishment of tasks as described in this SOW.