Tax Center Volunteer of the Week: Peles

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  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Peles has been named the Sheppard Air Force Base Tax Center Volunteer of the Week for the week of Feb. 22-26, 2016.  Peles is a returning volunteer who has repeatedly used his knowledge and experience to help tax clients with complex tax situations.  His dedication and desire to serve others is apparent in the fact that he often shows up to offer help in the tax center even when he is not scheduled to do so. Peles’ tax knowledge has been vital in the effective operation of the Sheppard Tax Center this tax season.  We want to give a big thank you to Staff Sgt. Peles and his squadron, 80 OSS, for all their support and outstanding contribution in making the Sheppard Tax Center a success this year!

Q & A with Staff Sgt. Peles:

  1. What's been the biggest challenge of volunteering at the tax center?

     

    The biggest challenge for me has been the difficulty involved in filing various state taxes for all of the Airmen that are here for technical training.  It takes a fair amount of research to ensure that the state taxes are being filed correctly.  I always want to put confidence in the Airmen that their taxes were filed correctly.

     

  2. What's one thing you learned from this experience that surprised you?

     

    The one thing that I have learned from this experience is how in-depth taxes can be.  Most days I am able to help three to four customers with their taxes in one shift. However, every once in a while, a customer with a complex filing situation lands on my desk and will take a whole shift by itself.  It's very humbling when it does happen and I am always grateful to finish a complex Form 1040. I definitely would not have the experience I have today if it hadn't been for everyone at the tax office.  Everyone works well together and the amount of experience and knowledge goes a long way.

     

  3. What do you find to be most rewarding from volunteering?

     

    Being able to help our customers file their taxes and seeing the relief they have once they are complete.  The other part is the work environment.  We are all volunteers and enjoy when we turn a potentially intimidating situation for Airmen into a stress-free experience.