The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance office (VITA) will be open through April 18 on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to help active-duty sailors, dependents, family members and retirees with tax preparation.

The assistance is free and returns are filed online so most refunds are available within approximately two weeks. All volunteers are professionally trained by the IRS and are certified tax preparers.

It is anticipated VITA will help over 2,000 people by April 18.

VITA volunteers are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. To 4 p.m. You can find them  in the Navy Operation Support Command Building (Bldg. 2793) or call them at 257-5952.