Free tax preparation services available for Service Members

  • Published
  • By Clayton Cummins

Whether you are ready or not, tax season has arrived! It can be a complicated and overwhelming time for service members working to ensure their taxes are completed and submitted correctly.

There are free resources available for service members, beginning with MilTax: Free Software and Support. The Defense Department offers MilTax software through Military OneSource. It's built to account for deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals, multi-state filings, living OCONUS, and much more.

MilTax e-filing software is free for service members, eligible family members, and survivors. To take advantage, you’ll need to ensure you are eligible first by visiting the MilTax website.

U.S. Armed Forces members often find themselves in special tax situations and benefits. To help sort it all out, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has posted Tax Information for Members of the Military on its website. It includes general information about how to file and pay taxes, including other free services.

Finally, the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are available and offer tax preparation and electronic filing services for active-duty military and retirees, as well as their dependents, by appointment.

Use the VITA/TCE locator tool to find a site near you. Before you visit, learn what to bring to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you.