Military members can file their taxes for free — here’s how

• Active-duty service members can file their taxes for free through several online platforms.
• Many offer free federal and state tax filing, but there are varying requirements.
• MilTax, operated in partnership with the Department of Defense, provides all service members free filing no matter what.
• This article was reviewed for accuracy and clarity by Luis Rosa, an expert on Personal Finance Insider’s tax review board.
• See Personal Finance Insider’s picks for the best tax software »

While the new year often comes with renewed optimism and resolutions, it also marks the start of tax season. By April 18 2022, most Americans are required to file their tax return with the Internal Revenue Service for the 2021 tax year. 

For those in the military — including active duty, reserve, and members of the National Guard — paying to have your taxes done is not a sacrifice your family needs to make. There are several ways to file your tax return for free. 

From using MilTax online to getting help from a trained volunteer expert, there are many ways you may not know about that can help you to save money on filing taxes. 

How do I file taxes in the military?

It can be confusing knowing exactly how and when to file taxes if you’re in the military, especially if your duty station changes during the tax year. Fortunately, the IRS has a helpful tool that will allow you to view the different organizations it partners with to offer free tax filing. You’ll be able to input your information and select the tax service that works for you. 

After you’ve chosen the program you’d like to use, you’ll be taken to specialized software that will walk you through filing your tax return. You’ll need to have all your documents on hand — this includes personal information, such as your Social Security number, and employment information, like your W-2.

If you’ve moved halfway through the year or were deployed into a combat zone, you’ll likely have additional tax needs, which these programs can help you navigate. 

Can members of the military file taxes for free?

Most members of the uniformed services qualify for free tax filing services through the US Department of Defense. Both enlisted members and officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, National Guard, and Air National Guard — including active duty and reservists — can use one of two federally sponsored programs at no costs.

Free tax filing is also available for those in the Coast Guard, as well as those who recently left the military. Retired military and those who were honorably discharged can access free federal and state tax filing services for up to 180 days past their exit. Military spouses, dependent children, and survivors of members can also use the free services.  

1. You can file through the IRS Free File Program

Although it’s not exclusive for the military, the IRS Free File Program allows many families to do their taxes for free. Military families who earn less than $72,000 annually can use the IRS Free File program to file federal taxes without charge using their computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

Anyone can get started on the IRS Free File website. However, while the program is sponsored by the IRS, you won’t be getting your taxes done by the agency. Instead, you will be referred to one of nine companies who will help you complete your tax returns, file them for free, and get your refund. The tax companies include Intuit (owns TurboTax), TaxACT, and TaxSlayer.

While the IRS Free File may be the most direct way for military members to do their taxes for free, it does come with some limitations. If your adjusted gross income is over $72,000, you won’t qualify to use the services. Additionally, the program only covers federal tax returns. If you were moved between duty stations in multiple states, you may have to pay to complete all your state returns. 

2. You can use MilTax or CG SUPRT

MilTax is a joint service offered by Military OneSource and the Department of Defense. It’s offered to all active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members as well as recently separated veterans. 

Unlike the other services offered, MilTax will provide free federal and up to three state returns no matter how much money you make or where you live. With customized options developed for the military, MilTax supports all the complicated tax situations you’ll find yourself in as a service member. This includes free state filings for up to three different states as well as OCONUS living, and even dealing with rentals. 

If you are a member of the Coast Guard and are not operating under Title 10 authority, you can still file your taxes for free. CG SPURT offers free tax filing services for active duty members, select reservists (not including the Coast Guard Auxiliary), and their dependent family members. 

Both MilTax and CG SUPRT are operated by H&R Block. You’ll need to create either a Military OneSource account or H&R Block online account in order to access the software. Once registered, you’ll be led through tax preparation software before e-filing your return.

3. File with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Going online is not the only way to get help in filing taxes for free. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides assistance to the military community through the Armed Forces Tax Council. In addition to having self-help kiosks on bases, volunteers also take appointments for in-person assistance. 

VITA volunteers can help with a number of common issues, including applying the Earned Income Credit and answering questions about combat zone benefits. They can also help with form preparation, advice, and filing both federal and state taxes for free. 

To find the nearest VITA location, visit the Military OneSource site to search for the nearest location. Qualifying military members can either sit down to complete their taxes, or drop off their forms for an expert to file on their behalf. 

4. You can go through other third-party tax preparation programs

If you don’t qualify for MilTax and can’t meet with a VITA program volunteer, you may still be able to file your taxes for free, or at a discount. Many online tax programs offer free or discounted services for military members and their families. Some of the offerings come from well-known programs, including TurboTax. 

• TurboTax: TurboTax offers free tax preparation and filing for federal returns and one state return. The free offer is limited to enlisted active duty and reserve members. 
• TaxSlayer: All active duty military members can use TaxSlayer to prepare and file their federal tax returns for free. Any state returns will require an additional fee. 
• H&R Block: Through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, military members, qualified veterans and their families can get a 10% discount on tax preparation and filing services. The discount is only available at H&R Block locations at Exchanges in the U.S.
• USAA: Military members, veterans, and families who are USAA customers can also get access to discounts. While active duty and reserve enlisted members can file state and federal taxes for free with TurboTax, active duty and reserve officers along with other customers can get a discount of up to $20. 

Military families make multiple sacrifices throughout the year, but paying to file taxes shouldn’t be one of them. With numerous ways to file for free available, there’s a program available to help with your unique situation. 

While MilTax is the easiest option for most military families to get taxes done for free, it isn’t the only one available. If you had a very complicated year — which may include a change of duty stations or a deployment — getting help from a VITA volunteer could give you clarity on the most effective way to report taxes. 

If you’re confused or have any questions, there’s also no shame in turning to an expert for help. Before retaining a tax advisor or certified public accountant, be sure to ask about their experience with military members to ensure they have the expertise you need to navigate the tax season.