Tax Preparation Resources for Military – Free & Discounted  

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Tax Preparation Resources for Military – Free & Discounted Services 

It seems tax season is here sooner each year   It can be more complicated for military families.   There are some filing preparation services available that are either discounted or free.  It is VAMBOA’s pleasure to bring them to your attention and make this task just a little easier and less stressful.

Assembling Your Documents – If you are prepared and have assembled the important and necessary documents to file, it will be much easier, quicker and less stressful.   Below is a list of what you need;

• Photo ID/Military ID
• Social security cards for you and each family member claimed on the return
• Wage and earning statement(s), such as Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R – you can download from MyPay website here: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
• Child care costs
• Investment income forms
• Receipts for charitable donations
• Receipts for deductible expenses
• Your bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
• Last year’s returns

We will begin with Online Tax Preparation Services that include:

• TurboTax – offers discounts on software for active-duty military.   Servicemembers who are an E5 or below can obtain free federal and state filing with Free Edition or Deluxe.  There is also a $5 off discount available for Premier, Self-Employed and Turbo Tax Live federal products. Those with an E6 and above pay grade are eligible for a $5 discount or more on all TurboTax federal products.
• TaxSlayer – has a military offer that allows active duty to file military to e-file a federal return for free.  State returns are additional.
• IRS Free File Software – You can file your federal individual income tax return for free using tax-preparation-and-filing software.   If your income is below $66,000, it is free for federal and state return options. If your income is above $66,000 you can use Free File Fillable Forms.
• Military OneSource – This is such a great resource in so many areas for those who serve.   They provide free tax preparation and e-filing software as well as easy access to tax consultants and free in-person preparation through approved Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offices.  Their easy to use software, MilTax is designed for the military community too.

Military Installation Tax Centers – Many large military installations worldwide offer servicemembers and their families free income ta filing assistance via VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program which is sponsored by the IRS.  VITA volunteers are trained by the IRS to provide assistance with military specific tax issues that include combat-zone tax benefits and more.  They know their stuff when it comes to military taxes!

H&R BLOCK – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is joining forces with H&R BlOCK to offer military members and their families a 10% discount in select Exchange locations worldwide.  Please see a list of locations for CONUS and OCONUS at the bottom of this article.

https://bit.ly/2J6faU4

OCONUS