Table of Contents
- Free Tax-Preparation Eligibility
- Free Tax Service On Base – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Free Tax-Preparation Software for Military Members
- Military OneSource
- TaxSlayer
- TurboTax
- IRS Free File
- File Taxes Free With TurboTax
- File Taxes Free With H&R Block
- File Taxes Free With TaxAct
- File Taxes Free With FreeTaxUSA
- Other Tax Software Options for Military Members to File Their Tax Returns
- Filing Taxes Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult or Expensive
One of the lesser-known benefits of military service is access to free tax-filing and preparation services.
There are several options for military personnel to file their taxes for free, including preparation assistance and personal software to prepare and file your own taxes. Some local communities also offer free tax-preparation assistance and services without cost.
Free Tax-Preparation Eligibility
It’s important to read the fine print. Not every option listed is available to everyone.
For example, tax preparation on base is often limited to active-duty members and their families. Eligibility may be extended to members of the National Guard or Reserves, retirees and their families, and civilian personnel, depending on available resources.
Eligibility may also vary depending on your military status. Many software solutions use your W-2 to verify your military status or determine the discount you are eligible for. Some options for filing your taxes for free are available based on income or on the forms you need.
Several tax-prep software solutions offer free versions covering basic forms. Some also offer free versions if your adjusted gross income — income after adjusting for applicable tax deductions — is below a certain level. Free versions of the software are typically online.
Free Tax Service On Base – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Most major military installations offer a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office, and there are also VITA locations off-site in many communities.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Guardians, as well as their families, are eligible to receive this free tax-preparation assistance through VITA.
Reservists, Guardsmen, retirees and some civilian personnel may also be eligible.
Participating VITA sites provide free tax advice, preparation and assistance. Volunteers are trained to deal with military tax situations, including:
- Non-taxable military income
- Tax-free zones
- Tax deadline extensions for military members
- Out-of-state residency issues
- Other matters covered in the Internal Revenue Service’s Armed Forces Tax Guide
VITA sites are IRS-certified and are usually supervised by Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). For more information, contact your base VITA or information office or visit the IRS website.
Free Tax-Preparation Software for Military Members
If you prefer to do your own taxes, several free options are available to file your taxes online.
If you prefer to have your taxes done in-person, H&R Block is offering readers of The Military Wallet an exclusive $25-off discount.
Military OneSource
The Department of Defense’s Military OneSource offers MilTax. The suite of free tax services includes preparation and e-filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. It’s designed to address the realities of military life, including deployments, combat and training pay, housing, rentals and multi-state filings.
To access MilTax, log in from the MilitaryOne Source home page. MilTax software will be available from Jan. 18, 2024, when the IRS tax season opens, through mid-October. You can use the software to file one federal return and up to three state returns (good for military members who change state residency in a tax year).
TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer offers free federal and state e-filing for active-duty military personnel, with no income limitations. Visit their site for more info.
TurboTax
Intuit’s TurboTax offers free federal and state tax filings for active-duty military and Reservists (E1 through E9). You can find it here.
For more details, read our TurboTax review or our article about the TurboTax military discount.
IRS Free File
The Internal Revenue Service offers Free File Fillable Forms for those whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $73,000 for the 2023 tax year. This online software is essentially an electronic version of the IRS forms and does not offer assistance like what you’ll find with popular tax software programs, such as Intuit’s TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.
Taxpayers whose AGI is $73,000 or less for the 2023 tax year can take advantage of IRS Free File. They can use software from one of the participating companies to help them prepare their taxes for free.
IRS Free File will be made available in January 2024 for the 2023 tax year.
Companies Participating in the IRS Free File Program
Eight companies are taking part in the IRS Free File program for the 2023 tax season, with all including military personnel’s filings: 1040NOW Corp., ezTaxReturn, FileYourTaxes, Free Tax Returns, OnLine Taxes, TaxAct, TaxHawk and TaxSlayer.
Each company’s eligibility rules differ (including AGI limitations), and there may be additional charges for state taxes.
Not everyone is eligible for the Free File option, which includes a limited number of forms. If you have investments, rental properties, operate a small business or face other unique or more complicated situations, you may need to purchase a more full-featured version instead.
File Taxes Free With TurboTax
Intuit’s TurboTax is intuitive, easy to use and takes you step-by-step through your return, including various types of income, deductions, tax credits and more.
The TurboTax Free file program supports IRS forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ. TurboTax also offers free tax returns (or a discount on premium versions) for all enlisted military members.
- Learn more about the TurboTax military discount.
- Learn more about TurboTax in our review.
- File your federal tax return free with TurboTax.
File Taxes Free With H&R Block
H&R Block is easy to navigate and use.
The H&R Block Online’s free program guides you through a simple, standardized federal tax return to help ensure your taxes are done correctly. You might need a more premium version if your return is more complicated.
File Taxes Free With TaxAct
TaxAct offers a free federal version and three paid versions. While state returns are offered, there is a separate charge.
TaxAct guides you through each step, helping review your tax returns before filing.
File Taxes Free With FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA provides a Free File program for federal taxes and a Deluxe Edition for $6.99 per return. There is a $14.99 charge for state tax returns.
FreeTaxUSA’s Free File program covers all simple forms of income, deductions and credits.
Other Tax Software Options for Military Members to File Their Tax Returns
Several other companies offer quality tax software. The following links are to reviews on our site with more details:
- Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) review
- e-File review
- Easy Tax Return review
- Liberty Tax review
Filing Taxes Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult or Expensive
However you choose to file your taxes, use these tips for organizing your documents to help things go more smoothly.
You may also use this tax-refund schedule to find out when can expect your refund.
If you have been deployed or need more time to file your return, then consider filing a tax extension request. Make certain you then file your return by October 15, 2024. You may have a different deadline if you were deployed.
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Jean barron says
I retired from the KY ARNG after 18 AD AF, 4 years in the guard. I was awarded E-6 in the USAF and took E-5 to join the guard. My rank at retirement was E-5. I was E-6 for 3+ years. Am I not entitled to E-6 retirement pay? Or, am I confusing the two ranks per branch?
Thank you very much.
Keep up the great job on your newsletters.!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Jean,
This is a great question. I think the answer depends on how your rank was transferred when you entered into the ARNG. I believe there are some fine points when changing branches. That said, I would certainly look into this. I would start by contacting your state National Guard Bureau to see if they have answers. If that doesn’t work, you may need to go to the Army HRC. They can review your personnel file and give you an answer based on your specific circumstances.
Best wishes!
william c. perry says
To: Ryan Guina-Militarywallet
I have a service connected disability (*80% rating*) while serving in the US Marines in the early 1960’s. Under some recent bills passed in 2020/2019 regarding service connected disability veterans would I qualify for any benefits regarding free income tax assistance for local and federal returns????
Wm. Perry—-March 17,21
Ryan Guina says
Hello William,
Thank you for your question. The free tax return services are outlined in the article. If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $69,000 or less, then you should qualify for the IRS free e-file program. Many of the leading tax software companies offer this service free of charge. However, this is a do-it-yourself option and requires you to use the program and do your tax return on your own.
Most in-person tax services do not offer free tax return services, as they need to be compensated for their time. However, you may be able to find an IRS VITA Grant Program participant where you can get your taxes done for you free of charge. Simply search for “IRS VITA Grant Program” in your favorite search engine.
I wish you the best!
Charl says
Has anyone that filed on feb 15 get there taxes
Beau says
Yeah Taxslayer says $29 but when we did ours it was only $23 after they applied a discount to the state and federal portion.
ERIN says
It says this was updated for 2019 but just wanted to let you know, Taxslayer is not free state filing for 2019, it is $29 per state.
Norman says
As a 100% disabled Vet. How do I file my taxes for free. Thank you so much for your News Letter, and help….
Ryan Guina says
Hello Norman, Thank you for contacting me. The free on-base tax preparation is limited to active duty and retirees. But several tax software companies offer free tax preparation if your Adjusted Gross Income falls below a certain amount or if you don’t have a complex tax return (their free versions usually only support a limited number of forms unless you qualify based on income).
You can usually start your tax return for free, then upgrade only if you don’t qualify for the free version. TurboTax or H&R Block are both excellent software programs, but all of the options on this page should meet most needs. Best of luck, and thank you for your service!
Ken says
I’m trying to help a couple of veterans to not miss out on a substantial tax credit for a grid tied photovoltaic system. They have not filed tax returns with the IRS for several years. My questions are: Are VA benefits taxable? Are VA disability benefits taxable? Is there tax withholding in VA benefit checks? If a veteran fails to file a tax return are they missing out on a refund check? If a veteran has not filed a tax return for years, and then finally does, what are the repercussions? Can a veteran who has not income tax liability receive the tax credits available for the cost of a solar water heating or photovoltaic system?
John S says
VA Disability payments are not taxable and they will not receive any tax documents from the VA either. It is invisible money to the IRS.
Juli says
A couple of years ago I claimed 3 of my grandchildren on my taxes. Over a year later the IRS audited my. 2 of the grandchildren lived w/me for 2 years. Their mother abandoned them, their father is my daughter’s Common Law husband. Not recognized in WI. They were all living in my home, Jade {daughter}, Pat {husband} and 5 children. The IRS decided that since the kid’s last name doesn’t match mine {they’re not blood related} I can not claim them. I’ve sent everything. Copies of the drivers’ licenses w/my address. Letters, birth certificates showing Pat as their father. The IRS wants over $4,000.00 back, originally it was over $5,000.00. They admitted a mistake in the audit. How do I fight this? I don’t have over $500.00 to hire a tax attorney. I am a disabled veteran. These children are mine to claim. I have been their grandma for over 9 years now.
M J Mueller says
For those with tax problems, especially if the IRS has contacted you about late returns or collection issues the service has a separate office available “Taxpayers Advocates Office” in most major cities that offer help in areas that you appear to be caught in a loop without any resolve. They can put a stay on almost any type of enforcement action allowing time to resolve the issue. You must have been dealing with a service employee without any satisfaction before they will assist you. Keep records of all communications. [former agent]
Melissa Kemp says
I am now as of April 2012 disable VA . Thank you Ryan, for your invitation. I with the help of HNR Block owe for the first time. On top of that my husband files seperate and owed $ in 2009 in 2010 he owes more. I have know idea which way to run. I do know at this point I cannot let it go. Can they help us?
jessica says
Can Army Reserves file there taxes for free on base?
Romeo says
I also want to point out that EVERYONE can file their taxes for free this year using the IRS’s freefile fillable forms, regardless of their AGI. Check it out. http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=237156,00.html
Ryan Guina says
Thanks for sharing the IRS link, Romeo – I noticed it was updated the day after I published this, so the updated info for the current tax season wasn’t live at the time we published this!
The main difference with using the IRS freefile forms is that it doesn’t come with software support from one of the major tax software companies (which are guided and often easier to use, especially if you have investments, property, a business, etc.).
India says
Thanks for the heads up Ryan. 😉
Ryan says
Thanks for the tip, Dan!