Free Tax Filing and Preparation for Military Members
Military members have access to a variety of free tax-return filing options, including software and in-person tax preparation services through on-base Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs.
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One of the lesser-known benefits of military service is access to free tax filing and preparation services.
There are several options available for military personnel to file their taxes for free, including preparation assistance and personal software to help them prepare and file their own taxes. Some local communities also offer free tax preparation assistance.
Free Tax-Preparation Eligibility
It’s important to read the fine print. Not every option listed is available to everyone.
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.
Eligibility may also vary depending on your military status. Many software solutions use your W-2 to verify your military status or determine the discount you are eligible for. Some options for filing your taxes for free are available based on income or on the forms you need.
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. Free versions of the software are typically online.
Free Tax Service On Base – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Most major military installations offer a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office, and there are also VITA locations off-site in many communities.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Guardians, and their families are eligible to receive this free tax-preparation assistance through VITA.
Reservists, Guardsmen, retirees, and some civilian personnel may also be eligible.
Participating VITA sites provide free tax advice, preparation, and assistance. Volunteers are trained to deal with military tax situations, including:
- Non-taxable military income
- Tax-free zones
- Tax deadline extensions for military members
- Out-of-state residency issues
- Other matters covered in the Internal Revenue Service’s Armed Forces Tax Guide
VITA sites are IRS-certified and are usually supervised by Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Contact your base VITA or information office or visit the IRS website for more information.
Free Tax-Preparation Software for Military Members
If you prefer to do your own taxes, several free options are available to file your taxes online.
Military OneSource
The Department of Defense’s Military OneSource offers MilTax. The suite of free tax services includes preparation and e-filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. It’s designed to address the realities of military life, including deployments, combat and training pay, housing, rentals and multi-state filings.
To access MilTax, log in from the MilitaryOne Source home page. MilTax software is available from the time the IRS tax season opens through mid-October. You can use the software to file one federal return and up to three state returns (good for military members who change state residency in a tax year).
TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer offers free federal and state e-filing for active-duty military personnel, with no income limitations.
TurboTax
Intuit’s TurboTax offers free federal and state tax filings for active-duty military and Reservists (E1 through E9) with a W2 from DFAS. This offer excludes National Guard members and TurboTax Experts products.
For more details, read our TurboTax review or our article about the TurboTax military discount.
IRS Free File
The Internal Revenue Service offers Free File Fillable Forms for those whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $84,000 for the 2025 tax year. This online software is essentially an electronic version of the IRS forms and does not offer the same level of assistance as popular tax software programs, such as Intuit’s TurboTax or H&R Block.
Taxpayers whose AGI is $84,000 or less for the 2025 tax year can take advantage of IRS Free File. They can use software from one of the participating companies to help them prepare their taxes for free.
IRS Free File will be made available in January 2026 for the 2025 tax year.
Companies Participating in the IRS Free File Program
Eight companies are taking part in the IRS Free File program for the 2025 tax season, with all including military personnel’s filings: 1040NOW Corp., Drake, ezTaxReturn.com, FileYourTaxes, OnLine Taxes, TaxACT, TaxHawk, TaxSlayer.
Each company’s eligibility rules differ (including AGI limitations), and additional charges may apply for state taxes.
Not everyone is eligible for the Free File option, which is limited to a select number of forms. If you have investments or rental properties, operate a small business, or face other unique or more complicated situations, you may need to purchase a more full-featured version instead.
File Taxes Free With TaxAct
TaxAct offers a free federal version and three paid versions. While state returns are offered, there is a separate charge.
TaxAct guides you through each step, helping you review your tax returns before filing.
Other Popular Tax Software Options
File Taxes With TurboTax
Intuit’s TurboTax is intuitive, easy to use, and takes you step-by-step through your return, including various types of income, deductions, tax credits, and more.
The TurboTax Free file program only supports IRS Form 1040. TurboTax also offers free tax returns (or a discount on premium versions) for all enlisted military members. Learn more about the TurboTax military discount here.
File Taxes With H&R Block
H&R Block is easy to navigate and use.
The H&R Block Online’s free program guides you through a simple, standardized federal tax return to help ensure your taxes are done correctly. You might need a more premium version if your return is more complicated.
File Taxes With FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA provides a Free File program for federal taxes and a Deluxe Edition for $7.99 per return. There is a $14.99 charge for state tax returns.
FreeTaxUSA’s Free File program covers all simple forms of income, deductions, and credits.
Other Tax Software Options for Military Members to File Their Tax Returns
Several other companies offer quality tax software. The following links are to reviews on our site with more details:
- Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) review
- e-File review
- Easy Tax Return review
- Liberty Tax review
Filing Taxes Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult or Expensive
However you choose to file your taxes, use these tips to help organize your documents and make the process go more smoothly.
You can also use this tax refund schedule to determine when you can expect your refund.
If you have been deployed or need more time to file your return, then consider filing a tax extension request. Ensure that you file your return by October 15, 2026. You may have a different deadline if you were deployed.
