Moody tax volunteer puts skils to test

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Although people look forward to the big refund checks they’ll receive, tax season may be a time to dread because of the massive amount of paperwork required. 

Dianne Crider, a Moody tax center volunteer, sees it as a time to put her skills to the test.
Five years ago, Mrs. Crider decided to volunteer at the base tax center because she wanted to learn the possible deductions for her family’s situation. 

“We just bought a house and we wanted to know everything we could take off on our own taxes,” said Mrs. Crider, who enjoys reading and considers doing taxes a hobby. 

As a tax volunteer, she helps Team Moody members prepare their taxes and transmits the information for them. These simple tax returns, however, are not where her expertise lies. 

“I know the tax system,” said Mrs. Crider, who has always wanted to be an accountant. “Everyone else is new, so they don’t know it as well.” 

Each year, she retakes the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program training and becomes recertified. This training gives her a greater understanding of the more complicated returns, said Mrs. Crider, who’s the wife of Tech. Sgt. William Crider, 347th Maintenance Squadron. 

“I go through the process step-by-step with the person,” she said. “I let them know what they can and can’t deduct. If it’s something I can’t do, then I advise them to go somewhere downtown.” 

Mrs. Crider also helps the other tax volunteers with the process. The VITA training received prior to becoming a tax volunteer provides the basics, but a lot of situations are not covered, said 2nd Lt. Jaymie Stepanek, a tax center volunteer 

“I couldn’t do it without her,” she said. “Having Dianne here gives me the reassurance I am doing it correctly. The last thing I want to do is mess with someone’s money.” 

It doesn’t matter what the questions is; Mrs. Crider is always willing to lend a helping hand. From the simple task of knowing where the information goes to what can be claimed, she tries to find out the answer, said Lieutenant Stepanek, 347th Contracting Squadron. 

“It’s nice to have someone who is so knowledgeable and helps you out,” she said. “You may not know what you’re doing, but she doesn’t make you feel that way.” 

She’s the friendly helping hand that anybody would want for any job,” said Lieutenant Stepanek. “It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, she’s the type of person you would want to help you.”