This rule doesn’t apply to any active duty pay that you receive. If you’re serving in a combat zone, your pay will be tax-free, which is great news. If you’re a military officer, your tax-free pay may be subject to a cap. 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.

• I've done all of these things and the charges are still indicated.
• Not only is it nice to feel acknowledged for your service to your country, but it can also make it more beneficial to retire in one of these states.
• This benefit is designed to help lower-ranking military personnel file their taxes without added expenses.

Who Qualifies for Free TurboTax Military Filing?

TurboTax Free for Military is a version of the popular tax preparation software that is designed specifically for military personnel. This version is available to anyone who is currently serving in the military or has served in the past. The software is also available to military spouses and dependents. 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.

• With the military discount, you can file federal and state taxes for free, regardless of your version.
• Dedicated to transparency and clarity, her ultimate goal is to help her audience make informed and confident decisions in their financial pursuits.
• If you're serving in the armed forces, it's important to understand your military tax advantages so you can make the most of them when filing your tax return.
• If they don't make things right, I have an alternative for you, so please report back.
• You can use the app to snap a pic of your W-2 and other documents and your information will be automatically entered in your return.

You need to show your job income (W-2), interest income (1099-INT), proof of health insurance (1095), etc. Read through this review to learn how TurboTax simplifies the tax return process and even gives you access to tax professionals if you get stuck or have questions. To receive in TurboTax you will need to select active military in the about you section. U.S. military service members have access to a number of extensions, deferments, and other benefits when it comes to their taxes. 1) In the My Info section, indicated you were active duty military and answered the questions about pa grade (must be E1-E9) and answered the other military questions as applicable. Military discount is valid for active duty and reservists of an enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9) with a military W2.

We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment. We are continually expanding and striving to improve the readers’ experience. Some veterans’ organizations also partner with tax service providers to offer free assistance. See below for more information about TurboTax and its military discount.

New Mexico State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide

TurboTax takes much of the complexity out of tax preparation by offering a guided, user-friendly experience that supports a wide range of tax situations. 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. If you're in the military or are a military spouse or dependent, be sure to take advantage of this valuable resource during tax season. 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.

There are NO discounts on any added benefit bundles, including TurboTax PLUS or MAX. I have also tried all those options., including reaching out to support, I was on the phone with them for an hour and the representative had no idea how to fix it. Feels like misleading and false advertisement, I agree with OP.

How to File Taxes in the Military While Deployed

The rule used to apply only to service members, but since 2009, military spouses have been able to maintain their state of residency, too. While TurboTax Free is available for enlisted service members up to rank E9, military spouses and veterans do not automatically qualify. Veterans can explore IRS Free File, Military OneSource, and VITA programs for no-cost filing assistance. Checking eligibility early and exploring alternative resources can make tax season easier for military families and veterans.

Get your biggest tax refund guaranteed with TurboTax

It is easy to use, can cover almost any tax situation, and has a maximum refund guarantee. Whether you're looking for athletic shoes, summer flip-flops or school shoes for the kids, you can find military discounts... Get weekly military discounts on food, travel, lodging, moving, entertainment and more.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Typically, you have until April 15 of the current tax year to contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA for the previous year unless the filing date is extended for a holiday or other reason. For example, you have until April 15, 2025, to make a 2024 IRA contribution. As long as you pay your tax in full by the end of this deferral period, the IRS won't charge interest or penalties. If they don't make things right, I have an alternative for you, so please report back. In TurboTax Online, review the questions in My Info in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

Filing jointly with your spouse is also one of your options during deployment. For overseas Active Duty, your spouse can prepare the return and either send it to you for your signature or sign on your behalf with POA. During combat zone deployment, your spouse can sign without POA by attaching a statement noting your service location.

Military deployment brings unique opportunities for tax filing. Servicemembers have access to special extensions and potential tax breaks that could potentially ensure a smooth process. 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. FreeTaxUSA’s Free File program covers all simple forms of income, deductions and credits. Not everyone is eligible for the Free File option, which includes a limited number of forms.

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Offer valid for Active Duty and Reservists of an enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9) with a W2 from DFAS. Answer simple questions and TurboTax Free Edition takes care of the rest.

For more details, read our TurboTax review or our article about the TurboTax military discount. If you prefer to do your own taxes, several free options are available to turbotax for military file your taxes online. Active duty service personnel who move themselves and their families because of a permanent change of station may deduct what the IRS calls “reasonable unreimbursed expenses” using Form 3903.

Some options for filing your taxes for free are available based on income or on the forms you need. 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. Military OneSource provides military members free tax consultations and tax preparation and filing services through MilTax. This includes tax preparation and e-filing software, support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes in the military.