2026 Military Tax Form Release Dates: Dates W-2s, 1099s and Other Forms Are Available on myPay

The military tax forms, like the W-2, Retiree Account Statements (RAS), Retiree 1099R and Annuitant 1099R forms, Form 1095 health insurance verification forms, and other related tax forms for the 2025 tax season (filed in 2026), are now out.

The Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) released military W-2 tax forms for the 2025 tax season in December 2025 and stated that the remaining tax documents would be released by January 31, 2026. 

Utilizing the DFAS myPay system can give you access to your tax forms several weeks before they arrive in the mail. If you would like to start your taxes early, this is a helpful tool for grabbing the necessary information as soon as possible. Filing your taxes early means you get your return earlier, but when you file can affect how long it takes to get your return.

DFAS recommends that all customers access their information through the myPay system to help reduce the risk of fraud and stolen identification. 

The National Taxpayer Advocate noted that nearly 300,000 individuals reported identity theft in 2023. According to NTA’s 2023 report to Congress, victims of identity theft can wait up to two years to receive stolen tax refunds. You can reduce your identity theft risk by keeping personal documents out of the mailbox and accessing the information on the myPay system.

Military Tax Forms Release Schedule

All military tax forms for the 2025 tax season (to be filed in 2026) will be available by the end of January 2026. The table below shows DFAS release date information so you can access the needed forms quickly. Click here to see a printable version of the tax forms.

Military Tax Form Date Charts 

If you’re new to filing taxes, you might be confused about why you’ll file your 2025 taxes in 2026. The federal tax year runs from January 1 of each calendar year to December 31 of the same year. When paying taxes, you need the financial information (income, deductions, expenses, etc.) from the entire calendar year to file accurate tax returns. The 2025 tax documents give filers the information they need to file their 2025 tax returns in the first few months of 2026. 

Employers must provide tax documentation to employees and contractors by January 31 each year, and individuals are expected to complete their taxes by April 15.

What About the Mailing Dates?

Employers must file W-2 information with the state and federal government by January 31 of each year. Additionally, employers must send or otherwise disburse W-2 information to employees by this date. Fortunately, you can access most of these forms online through myPay before January 31. 

Taxpayers must submit their tax returns by April 15, 2026, to avoid late fees and penalties. The government will consider your tax returns on time if they are postmarked by April 15. 

If you suspect that you won’t be able to file your paperwork on time, you may be able to apply for an extension. You must request an extension, which can give you until October to file your final forms before the tax deadline. Unpaid tax is still due on April 15. 

Additionally, military members deployed during 2025 or tax season qualify for a free automatic tax extension. While the extension is automatic, consider filing for the extension as an extra precaution.

myPay Security and Other Features

With the uptick in identity theft and scams, consumers are rightfully wary of using online services to handle taxes and other personal information. Practicing safe online information sharing is essential to protecting your data from leaks. 

myPay Is Secure?

Yes. myPay uses a web-based pay information system with multiple layers of security to protect customers from identity theft. The myPay system uses encryption and SSL technology to help secure personal information. Customers must now provide two-factor authentication when logging into the system (typically via an email address or phone number) as an extra layer of security.

myPay Limited-Use Passwords

One feature that customers find helpful is the restricted-access PIN. The restricted PIN feature allows customers to have other family members, lawyers, or trusted individuals help print their tax statements without the ability to change account information. Users can create a restricted-access PIN after logging into their myPay account. You can learn more about how to set up this feature on the myPay Frequently Asked Questions page.

Keeping Permanent Copies of Military Tax Forms

The Internal Revenue Service recommends that individuals keep military tax records for three years past when they paid owed taxes (especially your W-2s, 1099s, 1095s). If you claim a loss from securities or bad debt, you should keep your tax documents for seven years. As with all military records, it’s a good idea to keep a permanent copy of your tax forms and other important documents.

Military Tax Statement Availability

One of the significant benefits of using myPay to collect and access your tax forms is that you have access to the information all year long. You can view and print the forms whenever it’s convenient. Unfettered access is especially beneficial for TDY and deployed military service members.

Final Thoughts

Filing your taxes on time is essential to avoid penalties and late fees from the government. If you fail to file and pay your taxes on time, your retirement benefits may be at risk. Military retirement payments can be levied up to 15% to repay any back taxes you owe.  So because of that, it’s important to get the appropriate tax documents that you need as soon as possible. 

If you’re avoiding filing your taxes because you’re worried about owing, check out our military tax exemptions page to see if you could qualify for lower taxes based on your military service.

Our articles on tax brackets and mortgage interest deductions may also be helpful when preparing your 2025 tax returns.  

Meet the Author

Ryan Guina

Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet's founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Tennessee Air...

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