As of March, the IRS reported the average direct deposit tax refund this year is $3,330. With that much money on the line, it’s important to use a tool that checks for errors and helps you file with confidence. Navy Federal does not provide, and is not responsible for, the product, service, overall website content, security, or privacy policies on any external third-party sites. The Navy Federal Credit Union privacy and security polices do not apply to the linked site. TurboTax guarantees 100% accurate calculations and offers a maximum refund guarantee. The former Self-Employed version of TurboTax has now been added to Premium, allowing this version to track business deductions such as your vehicle, phone, supplies, home office, and more.
Some local communities also offer free tax-preparation assistance and services without cost. Did you know your service might benefit you when filing your state and federal taxes? Active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses are all eligible for a number of military tax deductions that can result in significant savings on your tax bill.
TurboTax Versions
This includes tax preparation and e-filing software, support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes in the military. MilTax e-filing software is available from mid-January through mid-October. Veterans with disability benefits should also note that VA disability payments are not taxable, which can simplify their tax return. However, if they receive other forms of taxable income, they may need to upgrade to a paid TurboTax version, depending on their filing needs. Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then. With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish.
TurboTax Offers Free Tax Filing for Military Active Duty and Reserve
At TaxAct, active-duty military can file federal and state returns for free, plus get free expert assistance. The offer is applied when an eligible Employer ID Number is entered during filing. Taxes can get complicated — and expensive — for military personnel. But as you file your tax returns, be sure to take advantage of special deals that can help make the process more affordable.
- The military discount is for all enlisted ranks (E-1 through E-9) – active duty and Reserves – with a W-2 from DFAS.
- Military members who qualify for the TurboTax discount simply need to begin filling out their taxes and enter their military W-2 when prompted.
- If you’re impacted by a natural disaster, check our IRS Disaster Relief page to see if you qualify for an automatic tax filing or payment extension.
- They will need to verify their rank online, and the discount will be applied when the taxes are filed.
- E1 – E5 members get free state and federal taxes, while all other personnel ranks will receive a military discount on TurboTax federal products.
Other pay tax breaks
TurboTax also offers free tax returns (or a discount on premium versions) for all enlisted military members. Upload a copy of your W-2 (find out when military tax forms are available through myPay), and verify your rank. TurboTax will automatically apply your discount when you file your taxes. You can file both your federal and state taxes for free regardless of which online version you use (free edition, deluxe, premier or self-employed).
If you have been deployed or need more time to file your return, then consider filing a tax extension request. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Guardians, and their families are eligible to receive this free tax-preparation assistance through VITA. For example, tax preparation on base is often limited to active-duty members and their families. Eligibility may be extended to National Guard or Reserves members, retirees and their families, and civilian personnel, depending on available resources. When it comes to military retirement pay, your pension benefits almost always count as taxable income, but the decision of whether or not to tax military retirement pay is left up to the states.
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. To get started, enter your W-2 and verify your military rank when prompted within the TurboTax Online Product (Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium). Ultimately, the goal is to simplify your tax season — not add unnecessary costs. With the right version and a clear understanding of your needs, TurboTax can make filing your taxes a streamlined and stress-free experience.
Other Popular Tax Software Options
USAA members can access exclusive savings when purchasing TurboTax through the USAA website. turbotax military free The online version offers the flexibility of accessing your tax information from any internet-connected device, with data securely stored in the cloud. You can switch back and forth between TurboTax online and the app seamlessly. With proper planning, the right resources and support from Navy Federal, you can confidently manage your taxes while serving your country. We’re committed to supporting military members through every aspect of financial life, including tax season. Remember that while filing deadlines can be extended, payment deadlines work differently.
Many states offer military families and veterans tax benefits, such as exclusions on military retirement pay or state residency flexibility. Some states do not tax military retirement income, which can significantly reduce a veteran’s taxable income. Unlike active-duty service members, veterans are not automatically eligible for free TurboTax military filing. However, veterans may qualify for free tax filing through other programs.
So you can start your return and upgrade your version if necessary. Remember that most taxpayers will not qualify for TurboTax Free Edition (~37% of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited credits only). Enlisted active military and Reserve members of the appropriate rank can file state and federal taxes for free using any of the TurboTax online versions, including Deluxe and Premium. If you’re a USAA member, enlisted members can use TurboTax Online and file taxes for free, and officers can file for free before Feb. 28, 2025. All USAA members save 20% when filing their federal tax returns with TurboTax.
- The Internal Revenue Service offers Free File Fillable Forms for those whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $79,000 for the 2024 tax year.
- While these features offer peace of mind, it’s important to note that audit support is limited to guidance rather than full representation.
- Providing job opportunities and educating veterans on starting a small business is all in service to powering prosperity around the world.
- MilTax e-filing software is available from mid-January through mid-October.
- For those seeking additional help, TurboTax Live connects users with tax experts for real-time assistance.
TurboTax calculations are 100% accurate so your taxes will be done right, guaranteed, or we’ll pay you any IRS penalties. Military discounts are not reflected in prices below and will apply when you file. There are NO discounts on any added benefit bundles, including TurboTax PLUS or MAX. Remember, Veterans have the flexibility to sign up for VA health care or apply for disability compensation or increased disability compensation from the comfort of home, at a time that suits them best. TurboTax software can be downloaded directly from the TurboTax website, or purchased from popular retailers like Costco and Best Buy, both online and in-store. With tax laws changing regularly, TurboTax remains valuable thanks to its in-depth guidance, educational resources and hands-on help throughout the filing process.
Some states follow the federal tax rules, and some cap the exclusion at a certain dollar amount. If you prepare your return in TurboTax, the software will help you take advantage of any state income tax exclusions you qualify for. All active-duty military or reservists can get their taxes done through TurboTax for free or at a military discount when using the Free Edition or Deluxe. E1 – E5 members get free state and federal taxes, while all other personnel ranks will receive a military discount on TurboTax federal products. For other free and discounted tax services, see this Military.com article. There are several options for military personnel to file their taxes for free, including preparation assistance and personal software to prepare and file your own taxes.
Finally, users can file state tax returns through TurboTax for an additional fee in most cases. However, some states offer free filing options, so it’s worth checking local requirements before paying for the add-on. The free version is designed for simple tax returns and may not cover more complex situations like itemized deductions or certain types of income.
Some military members or their spouses may also have special considerations, such as claiming residency in more than one state during a tax year. Military members who qualify for the TurboTax discount simply need to begin filling out their taxes and enter their military W-2 when prompted. They will need to verify their rank online, and the discount will be applied when the taxes are filed. Intuit’s TurboTax offers free federal and state tax filings for active-duty military and Reservists (E1 through E9).