Preparing and Filing Your Taxes

Free MilTax preparation and e-filing software is available from mid-January through mid-October. Powered by an industry-leading tax service provider, it’s designed to address situations specific to the military. To access MilTax, your eligibility will be verified through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS. Remember to return to Military OneSource, not the software provider’s website when you access the software in the future.

Military OneSource MilTax also offers free tax consultations to eligible service members and their families. Have a question or need help starting your tax return? MilTax consultants are specially trained to help with tax situations specific to service members and their families so you can receive your tax refund sooner. Call 800-342-9647 or live chat 24/7 to schedule an appointment with a MilTax consultant.

You can also get in-person support at a Volunteer Income Tax Support Assistance office location. The VITA program, provided by the Internal Revenue Service, provides coordinators for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. These specialists are trained to address military-specific tax issues like combat-zone benefits and applying Earned Income Credit guidelines. They oversee the operation of military tax programs worldwide and serve as the main IRS outreach for military personnel and their families.

Filing taxes after the official deadline is common, but there are important things to understand. For starters, you must file Form 4868 before the tax deadline. MilTax consultants can help make your tax — or extension — filing easy.

• Three Ways for Service Members to Get a Federal Tax-Filing Extension

A tax refund isn’t free money, even if it feels that way. You worked hard to earn it, so put it to good use to help secure your financial future. Pay down your highest-interest credit card debt, build up an emergency fund, donate to a charitable organization or invest in yourself by using your refund for a certification class.

ARTICLE FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR TAX REFUND AND TAX CREDITS

• Getting a Tax Refund? Seven Ways You Can Put it to Good Use

The Internal Revenue Service has information for tax filers on its site, including a guide for service members.