Tax season is here, and Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) have many resources to make their tax returns easier to file and more profitable for them.

Sailors have a variety of options for tax preparation including self-service tax programs that promote valuable skills like self-assurance and financial capability.

"If you use self-service tax-filing programs, stay on top of current tax information," said Chief Machinist's Mate Daniel Howard, Abraham Lincoln's command financial specialist. "Tax laws change every year, so you have to be diligent and pay attention to details while doing your taxes."

Tax assistance centers provide Sailors, retirees and their dependents the ability to get help with their taxes for free from IRS-trained volunteers.

The Navy's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available to Sailors and other customers through Naval Legal Service Command.

"I go to a tax assistance center on base, and I have no complaints," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Curtis Jervier. "The workers are helpful and knowledgeable. Best of all, it's free and they maximize my refund."

Along with consultations, Sailors with complex tax returns can visit a legal assistance office on a military base for more detailed advice.

"I suggest Sailors file their taxes earlier rather than later," said Howard. "Look at your tax return as a means to secure your family's finances."

Taxes are due Apr. 17, and tax assistance centers will be open through this date to accommodate service members.

Tax assistance programs can be accessed at home by going to Military OneSource at www.militaryonesource.com and clicking on "Tax Filing Service".

For more information about VITA and tax preparation, read frequently asked questions at jag.navylive.dodlive.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.