An Intro Guide to Military Taxes Intuit TurboTax Blog

Most major military installations offer a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office, and there are also VITA locations off-site in many communities. Travel expenses are not deductible for service members who are stationed overseas or traveling for personal reasons. These expenses are also considered unreimbursed employee expenses are not deductible as of the 2018 tax year. Welcome to Tax Week, a weeklong series of guides and resources for the 2025 tax season. Officers, National Guard members, Veterans, and retirees are not eligible for this discount. The discount does not apply to TurboTax Live or TurboTax Desktop products.

Extension of filing deadlines for those serving in combat zones

With internet access, you can e-file from almost anywhere in the world. Use tax preparation software like MilTax or IRS Free File, gather your digital documents and file early if possible. If you have been deployed or need more time to file your return, then consider filing a tax extension request.

Planning for taxes: What you need before military deployment

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Guardians, and their families are eligible to receive this free tax-preparation assistance through VITA. For example, tax preparation on base is often limited to active-duty members and their families. Eligibility may be extended to National Guard or Reserves members, retirees and their families, and civilian personnel, depending on available resources. Typically, compensation for members of the armed forces includes basic pay such as salary, plus special allowances for housing and food. When it comes to military retirement pay, your pension benefits almost always count as taxable income, but the decision of whether or not to tax military retirement pay is left up to the states. Get the most out of your tax deductions next year and make it easy on yourself with tax planning, starting with staying organized.

• These other programs include additional features, such as live help from CPA’s, so even though they are not free they may be worth purchasing at the discounted rate.
• You can switch back and forth between TurboTax online and the app seamlessly.
• You may want to check and make sure the discount is applied to your total bill, but you do not need to do anything else special to take advantage of this deal.
• Most major military installations offer a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office, and there are also VITA locations off-site in many communities.

Today, TurboTax is one of the most common tax preparation services in the country. Taxpayers whose AGI is $79,000 or less for the 2024 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.

Other deductions on your tax return

TurboTax offers free federal and state tax filing for active-duty enlisted service members and reservists ranked E1 through E9. This benefit is designed to help lower-ranking military personnel file their taxes without added expenses. Each version includes the features found in the previous versions, so you can start your return online for free with one of the lower versions and upgrade as needed. The good news is you don’t have to pay until you file your return.

TurboTax Versions

Simply start your TurboTax Online return and use your military W-2 to verify rank, and your savings will be applied when you file. Ultimately, the goal is to simplify your tax season — not add unnecessary costs. With the right version and a clear understanding of your needs, TurboTax can make filing your taxes a streamlined and stress-free experience. While TurboTax simplifies the tax filing process, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Before filing with TurboTax, it’s important to know that not all versions are free. The online version offers the flexibility of accessing your tax information from any internet-connected device, with data securely stored in the cloud.

If you’ve designated someone with financial power of attorney (POA) before deployment, they can handle your taxes completely while you’re away. Your trusted POA can access your documents, complete forms, sign on your behalf, submit information to the IRS and handle any follow-up communications. Many deployed Servicemembers choose to file their taxes themselves.

• Military discounts are not reflected in prices below and will apply when you file.
• TurboTax Free for Military is an excellent resource for military personnel and their families.
• Simply start your TurboTax Online return and use your military W-2 to verify rank, and your savings will be applied when you file.
• Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest).

Free tax filing discounts and resources

If you owe taxes, interest starts accumulating from the original April 15 deadline, even with an extension. To avoid this, try to pay at least 90% of your estimated taxes by the standard April deadline. All branches of the military issue uniforms to their members that they are required to wear and typically provide them with a monthly clothing allowance for regular upkeep.

Your discount should be applied at the end of your return when you are ready to file. If your rank aligns with a package you could benefit from, make sure to take advantage of this deal when tax season rolls around. Service members who hold a rank of E6 or higher can take advantage of a $5 discount (or more) off any TurboTax federal product. These other programs include additional features, such as live help from CPA’s, so even though they are not free they may be worth purchasing at the discounted rate.

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

Members of the Armed Forces Reserve who travel more than 100 miles away from home for reserve-related duties can deduct their unreimbursed travel expenses from when they leave home until they return home. Suppose you’re serving in a combat zone or contingency operation, or you’re hospitalized. Combat zones are areas where the Armed Forces have engaged or are engaging in combat. Contingency operations are designated by the secretary of defense or by a call to duty that results from Congress or the president declaring war or a national emergency.

Members of the United States armed forces are often deployed outside of their home state or country when tax time rolls around. This can make it difficult to file a military tax return or make payments on time. The IRS recognizes this fact turbotax for military and gives many military and support personnel an extension on their tax deadlines. Finally, users can file state tax returns through TurboTax for an additional fee in most cases. However, some states offer free filing options, so it’s worth checking local requirements before paying for the add-on.

Some local communities also offer free tax-preparation assistance and services without cost. However, military spouses and veterans do not automatically qualify for this offer. If a military spouse files jointly with an eligible service member, they can use the free TurboTax military filing option. But if they are filing separately or as the primary taxpayer, they may need to upgrade to a paid version, depending on their tax situation.

MilTax e-filing software is available from mid-January through mid-October. At TaxAct, active-duty military can file federal and state returns for free, plus get free expert assistance. The offer is applied when an eligible Employer ID Number is entered during filing. Taxes can get complicated — and expensive — for military personnel. But as you file your tax returns, be sure to take advantage of special deals that can help make the process more affordable. TurboTax offers a free edition to everyone, which may be sufficient for your needs.

Whether you file your taxes yourself or you’re looking for a tax professional, check out the following freebies and discounts available to military families. Completing your tax return and filing your taxes with TurboTax is easy. The software guides you through a series of questions designed to maximize your return. The military discount is based on your rank and verified by your W-2. Simply use your military W-2 to verify rank; your discount will apply when you file.