For those with a simple tax return (such as W-2 income and the standard deduction), TurboTax’s Free Edition may still apply. However, if additional tax credits, self-employment income, or multi-state filing requirements come into play, a paid version of TurboTax may be necessary. Checking eligibility before starting the filing process can help avoid unexpected costs.
For enlisted members, the exclusion from federal income tax is unlimited. For officers, the exclusion is limited to the maximum amount of enlisted pay. You can also exclude military allowances for housing from your federal taxable income. For example, if you began serving in a combat zone on April 1, you had 15 days until the typical April 15 filing deadline. That means you would have 195 days from your last day of service to file your return and pay any taxes due, or 180 days plus the 15 remaining from April 1 to April 15.
Whether you’re filing individually or jointly with a spouse, being prepared helps you meet deadlines and take advantage of available benefits. Here’s what you need to know to manage your taxes during deployment. TurboTax Free for Military is an excellent resource for military personnel and their families. The software is free, easy to use, and designed specifically for military personnel.
File your taxes for free
The following TurboTax Online offers may be available for tax year 2024. Intuit reserves the right to modify or terminate any offer at any time for any reason in its sole discretion. Unless otherwise stated, each offer is not available in combination with any other TurboTax offers. Certain discount offers may not be valid for mobile in-app purchases and may be available only for a limited period of time.
While active-duty and reserve military members may be eligible to file their federal and state tax returns for free. There are several benefits to using TurboTax Free for Military. This can save military members and their families a significant amount of money.
You can use the software to file one federal return and up to three state returns (good for military members who change state residency in a tax year). Don’t worry about knowing these tax rules for military members. TurboTax will ask you questions about you and give you the tax deductions and credits you’re eligible for based on your answers. If you’re in the military, you may also be able to file for free or at a discount with TurboTax.
Several tax-prep software solutions offer free versions covering basic forms. Some also offer free versions if your adjusted gross income — income after adjusting for applicable tax deductions — is below a certain level. Many software solutions use your W-2 to verify your military status or determine the discount you are eligible for. Some options for filing your taxes for free are available based on income or on the forms you need.
- With that much money on the line, it’s important to use a tool that checks for errors and helps you file with confidence.
- Several tax-prep software solutions offer free versions covering basic forms.
- Additionally, you must factor in things such as investment income, deductions, tax credits, retirement contributions, rental income, or even running a small business.
Travel expenses are not deductible for service members who are stationed overseas or traveling for personal reasons. 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. You may also use this tax-refund schedule to find out when can expect your refund. Most major military installations offer a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office, and there are also VITA locations off-site in many communities. Ranks E6 and up are also not eligible for the free Deluxe version, as we mentioned earlier.
Commissioned officers, warrant officers, veterans, retirees and National Guard do not qualify for free TurboTax Online discount at this time. The tax prep service has long been dedicated to supporting military service members by promoting their military discount on military tax return filings. The discount is free with the TurboTax Military Discount offer and is applied when you file. There are many different versions of TurboTax available, and the software also addresses tax preparation needs in Canada and France.
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- The tool then computes your return to ensure you get every tax deduction or credit you earned.
- 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.
- Many spouses have self-employment or freelancing income, and they may be required to change their state of residency when they relocate.
- 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.
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This option for active duty military personnel as been available for many, many years from TurboTax. It has been used by thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen satisfactorily. Whether you’re Active Duty, Reserve or a Veteran, we invite you to visit Navy Federal’s Tax Center to answer your questions about filing your taxes and maximizing your refund. Once you have the software, you can start preparing and filing your taxes right away. TurboTax Free for Military includes step-by-step guidance to help you through the process, and if you get stuck, you can always reach out to a TurboTax expert for help. I filed my taxes by hand for several years – until I realized there was a better way.
Military and Veteran Discounts
Military service members have access to numerous extensions, deferments, and other benefits. If you need more time to familiarize yourself with tax requirements and exceptions you’re entitled to, it may be worthwhile to take advantage of the filing extension. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is working with H&R Block to provide tax preparation services to military members at a 10% discount at select Exchange locations around the world through March 21, 2025. We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment.
The TurboTax Military Discount is valid on any TurboTax Online products, including the Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed editions. However, the discount is not included on TurboTax Live products or TurboTax Desktop products. For more details, read our TurboTax review or our article about the TurboTax military discount. If you have to move for the military, you might have some questions about your residency status and how it impacts your taxes. The TurboTax military discount does not come with many restrictions. The TurboTax military discount is available for all military members who are currently serving.
Military members serving in a combat zone or contingency operation qualify for an automatic extension, which will extend the deadline to file a return, pay taxes owed, or file a claim for a refund. You also qualify for an extension if you’re hospitalized outside of the U.S. due to injuries sustained in a combat zone or hazardous duty area. TurboTax offers several features designed to simplify tax preparation and help users get the biggest possible refund. One standout feature I really like is the ability to import W-2s, 1099s and investment income reports directly from financial institutions. Even when you’re far from home, you can access most of your important tax information online. Your basic filing requirements also stay the same, but the way you submit your return and the timeframes for doing so may differ.
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. 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. You will then be prompted to answer a few questions to determine if you qualify for the military discount.
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