FREE MILITARY TAX PREP: FILING OPTIONS THAT HELP YOU SAVE MORE

Every year, people in the military community pay for services that are actually offered for free through programs provided specifically for them. Most Veterans or service members don’t realize they don’t need to spend a single dollar on tax prep, especially because no one clearly explains their options.

In reality, when taxes involve deployment or figuring out what income is taxable and what is not, it’s always easy to assume that you need to pay a professional. Today, you will learn that you don’t. At least, not always.

We'll walk you through the available options for free military tax prep, making sure that the next time you file your taxes, you’re not leaving money on the table.

Do I Need to Pay for Tax Prep?

Many Veterans and service members pay for tax prep because they think it’s safer and easier. However, you don’t necessarily need to pay for tax prep.

Many free military tax-preparation programs offer the same level of help. There are trained volunteers and tax professionals who understand the following:

1. Your combat pay and how it’s taxed
2. PCS moves between duty stations
3. How to file in multiple states
4. Military allowances such as housing and food

Those require close attention to detail, so anyone handling your taxes needs to be knowledgeable about what they are doing. If taxes are handled incorrectly, it can affect what you owe.

Therefore, before paying for tax prep, always keep in mind the question, “Can I get this done for free with someone who actually understands military life?” As in many cases, the answer is always yes, it’s free.

Programs That Can Help with Tax Prep

There are a few trusted programs most service members can use for military tax prep that actually work.

Most importantly, these programs are specifically built for the military. Not only is it applicable for service members, but there are also free veteran tax prep services.

MilTax (Military OneSource)

If you’re active-duty, MilTax is the easiest option for you. It is offered through Military OneSource and is the most straightforward option. The following can use MilTax as a free tax prep for the military:

• Service members, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible
• Retired and honorably discharged members within 365 days of separation
• Surviving family members also may qualify

MilTax also provides free tax-filing software that walks you through from start to finish. It’s just that you handle your taxes on your own, but support is still available when things get confusing.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a little bit different from MilTax because you’re mostly the one fixing your taxes on MilTax. VITA is the way to go, especially if you want to have someone sit down with you to go through your taxes together. They help prepare and file your tax return for free.

Both service members and Veterans qualify for VITA. However, it’s still important to check with your local tax office to see who qualifies for VITA at a specific location.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The Internal Revenue Service also provides software and guidance that many people are unaware of. The IRS also has a dedicated section on its website for service members that explains how things like combat pay and moving expenses work. If you have one of the following, that means you are eligible for free military tax prep:

• You are earning $69,000 or less
• You have a disability
• You need language support

IRS Free File is also available on their website, which you can use if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less. If you have a higher income, you can use the free file fillable forms.

What Documents Do I Need to Prepare?

When you file your taxes, there are specific documents that you need to prepare. Keep in mind that there’s a lot of paperwork required, so you need to prepare everything before you get started. The following are the necessary documents you need to prepare:

• Photo or military ID
• Social security cards
  • You and each family member claimed on the return
• Wage and earnings statements
  • Form W-2
  • Form W-2G
  • Form 1099-R
• Child care costs
• Investment income forms
• Receipts for charitable donations and deductible expenses
• Bank routing numbers for direct deposit
• Account numbers for direct deposit
• Last year’s returns

If you choose to pay for tax prep, you also need to double-check with the one handling your taxes what additional documents they need for your tax prep. Sometimes, it’s different with them, so it’s better to get everything ready.

Save Money Through Free Tax Prep Options

Tax prep should help you file your tax returns accurately, and if it gets confusing at any point, remember that it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are real, reliable programs built specifically for service members and Veterans for free military tax prep.

Before you pay for help this year, take a few minutes to look into your options. Check if you qualify. Reach out. Ask questions. At the end of the day, you’re not doing this for a shortcut. It’s making sure you’re using the benefits that you’ve already earned.

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