If you have been deployed or need more time to file your return, then consider filing a tax extension request. 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. 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.
How to File Taxes in the Military While Deployed
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Option 3: Spouse filing options
USAA members can access exclusive savings when purchasing TurboTax through the USAA website. The online version offers the flexibility of accessing your tax information from any internet-connected device, with data securely stored in the cloud. You can switch back and forth between TurboTax online and the app seamlessly. With proper planning, the right resources and support from Navy Federal, you can confidently manage your taxes while serving your country. We’re committed to supporting military members through every aspect of financial life, including tax season. Remember that while filing deadlines can be extended, payment deadlines work differently.
One of the essential parts of filing your taxes is figuring out all the required forms. You need to show your job income (W-2), interest income (1099-INT), proof of health insurance (1095), etc. TurboTax is one of the most popular tax software programs in the United States. It is easy to use, can cover almost any tax situation, and has a maximum refund guarantee.
TurboTax Offers Military Discount
Members of the armed forces follow specific income tax rules, which detail the various types of military pay and allowances included or excluded from gross income for federal tax purposes. Whether you receive training pay or are stationed in an active combat zone, these circumstances can impact your tax filing. 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.
Understanding your military tax filing options
TurboTax is one of the most popular tax filing options, known for its user-friendly interface, step-by-step guidance and features designed to help filers maximize refunds while minimizing errors. The Internal Revenue Service offers Free File Fillable Forms for those whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $79,000 for the 2024 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. One of the lesser-known benefits of military service is access to free tax filing and preparation services. At TurboTax, all enlisted active-duty military members and reservists can file their 2024 federal and state taxes for free. This offer is not valid for officers and National Guard and excludes TurboTax Live products.
Some military members or their spouses may also have special considerations, such as claiming residency in more than one state during a tax year. Military members who qualify for the TurboTax discount simply need to begin filling out their taxes and enter their military W-2 when prompted. They will need to verify their rank online, and the discount will be applied when the taxes are filed. Intuit’s TurboTax offers free federal and state tax filings for active-duty military and Reservists (E1 through E9).
Anyone who has ever served in the military knows how complicated military pay and benefits can be. Earning tax-free combat zone pay can also impact both your state and federal tax returns. 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. 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.
Make filing easy with Navy Federal Credit Union
Get the most out of your tax deductions next year and make it easy on yourself with tax planning, starting with staying organized. Start a folder for important documents, financial records, and receipts to make filing easier and get a jump-start on tax prep. Keep in mind that filing and paying taxes are two separate things. If you owe taxes, the IRS will charge an interest rate starting from the date the payment was due, unless you make your payment by the original filing deadline. TaxSlayer has a military deal that allows active-duty military to e-file a federal return for free.
Even better – TurboTax has the ability to import tax information directly from more than one million employers and financial institutions, again removing the need for manual data entry and increasing accuracy. Many spouses have self-employment or freelancing income, and they may be required to change their state of residency when they relocate. As a military member, you’re generally taxed based on your state of legal residence as opposed to where you’re stationed, even when you’re deployed. If your declared residency is in one state, you can continue that legal residency even if you and your family are transferred to another state.
Which version you choose depends entirely on the complexity of your return and your needs. H&R Block offers an exclusive $25-off discount for readers of The Military Wallet. I’m happy to see TurboTax take notice of the complexities many of our service members face and create a solution. Let’s take a look at TurboTax features and the details of their military discount. Whether you’re looking for athletic shoes, summer flip-flops or school shoes for the kids, you can find military discounts… Military.com provides discount information as a service to our members.
Depending on your situation, you might be able to open the app on your phone and finish filing your taxes in less time than it takes to eat a meal. You can also start and stop your return and come back to finish later – even on a different device. The rule used to apply only to service members, but since 2009, military spouses have been able to maintain their state of residency, too. Military OneSource provides military members free tax consultations and tax preparation and filing services through MilTax.
- Tax preparers can give Servicemember taxpayers expert guidance tailored to military situations.
- It has been used by thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen satisfactorily.
- TurboTax also offers free tax returns (or a discount on premium versions) for all enlisted military members.
Additionally, the software is easy to use and is designed specifically for military personnel, so it takes into account the unique tax situations that they may face. To make it easy, they offer a tool to help you choose which version is best for you. Even better – you can start your tax return for free and only pay when you e-file it.
- Never coming back and not recommending Turbotax to any of my Soldiers.
- While its free version works well for basic needs, paying for a higher tier can be worth it for the added support if your return is a bit more complicated.
- Extensions aren’t the only tax benefits the federal government provides for those who serve in the military.
- Their promotion is misleading and frankly make them look very untrustworthy.
- Even better – TurboTax has the ability to import tax information directly from more than one million employers and financial institutions, again removing the need for manual data entry and increasing accuracy.
If you do, the software will automatically switch to TurboTax Free for Military. To qualify for TurboTax Free for Military, you must be an active-duty military member, a reservist, or a member of the National Guard. Additionally, military spouses and dependents are eligible to use the software for free. Get expert advice as you do your taxes, with an expert review before you file to ensure you get your maximum refund or biggest tax savings.
To use the TurboTax military discount, simply input your W2’s into the TurboTax system. 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. Service members with ranks between E1 and E5 can also receive a discount of $5 (or more) off on other programs, including the Premier, Self-Employed, or TurboTax Live programs.
She turbotax military free earned a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University. Her professional background spans both commercial and residential real estate, enriching her writing with firsthand industry insights. She is passionate about making complex real estate and financial topics accessible for all readers. Dedicated to transparency and clarity, her ultimate goal is to help her audience make informed and confident decisions in their financial pursuits. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger’s advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. TurboTax also includes an accuracy guarantee and audit support.
