Military OneSource MilTax: Frequently Asked Questions

A: MilTax is the only tax preparation and filing software provided by the DOD and is designed exclusively for our military community. The software was developed specifically to address scenarios that civilians rarely encounter, such as combat pay and dealing with multiple moves within the same tax year. It’s convenient, with trained experts readily available to support you — and it’s free, regardless of your rank or income.

A: Military OneSource’s MilTax software is available from mid-January through mid-October and can be accessed through a link found on the Military OneSource MilTax page. You will be required to verify eligibility each time you access MilTax e-filing software. Eligibility is verified through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. You can also access MilTax at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location on many installations or elsewhere in your state, but VITA is not available in every state or location. MilTax consultants are available to answer questions year-round. Call 800-342-9647, or live chat to schedule an appointment to speak with a consultant. OCONUS or overseas? View calling options.

A: You don’t need to complete your return all at once. Once you have verified your eligibility, you can save your work, close it and return to Military OneSource to complete it later. You will, however, need to verify your eligibility each time you access MilTax e-filing software until you have completed your return.

A: MilTax uses industry-leading software so you can file your taxes with confidence. Calculations are backed by a 100% accuracy guarantee by the software provider. There is a maximum refund guarantee by the software provider.

A: If you have any personal tax-related questions, call 800-342-9647 to schedule an appointment to speak with a Military OneSource tax consultant. You can also connect using live chat. For technical assistance with the software call 855-897-8639 and follow the prompts.

A: You can visit a VITA location near you or your installation’s legal assistance office. Click here to find a VITA location near you and enter your country or state in the search bar. VITA is not available in every state or location.

Support from Military OneSource is available to you 24/7 by live chat or by calling 800-342-9647.

A: You can receive tax advice, or get help with tax preparation, return filing and other tax services for free at a VITA location. Services vary by location and VITA is not available in every state or on every installation. You can fill out your return at a self-help kiosk, with trained volunteer tax specialists on hand should you need assistance. You can also make an appointment to work directly with a specialist, or have one complete your return for you. Learn more.

A: In addition to MilTax, Military OneSource accredited financial counselors are also available in person, over the phone and via video counseling to offer free and unlimited help with financial issues such as money management and debt, as well as advice on how to maximize the amount of money you may receive in your refund.

The Military OneSource website has numerous helpful articles, information and resources about taxes, preparation for filing your taxes and special considerations. Learn more about MilTax features and benefits.

A: Military OneSource helps service members and their families be the best guardians of their country, team and family by helping them find information, manage challenges and connect with the military community. A virtual extension of installation services, Military OneSource provides a wide range of confidential support services, including MilTax, to:

• Active-duty service members, spouses and dependent children of the eligible service members
• Members of the National Guard and reserve — regardless of activation status
• Retired and honorably discharged service members, including Coast Guard veterans, within 365 days of their discharge
• A family member who is managing the affairs of an eligible service member while the service member is deployed
• A designated family member of a severely-injured service member who is incapable of handling their own affairs
• Eligible survivors of active-duty, National Guard and reserve deceased service members regardless of conflict or activation status
• Some members of the Defense Department civilian expeditionary workforce

Learn more about eligibility.