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 2024 tax season (filed in 2025), are now out.
The Defense Finance Account Service (DFAS) released military W-2 tax forms for the 2024 tax season in December of 2024, and it said the remaining tax documents needed would be released through the end of January 31, 2025.
Utilizing the DFAS myPay system can give you access to your tax forms several weeks before you get them 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.
Note:
Learn How Military Members Can File Their Taxes for Free!
Military Tax Forms Release Schedule
All military tax forms for the 2024 tax season (to be filed in 2025) will be available by the end of January 2025. The table below shows DFAS release date information so you can access the needed forms quickly.
Military Tax Form Date Charts
| Form/Document | Date Available on myPay | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Retiree 1099-R | 12/17/2024 | Retiree Benefits |
| Annuitant 1099-R | 12/17/2024 | Distribution of pensions and annuities |
| Former Spouse 1099-R | 12/17/2024 | Report annuity paid to former spouse |
| Civilian Certificate for Income Tax Adjustment | 12/20/2024 | Records adjustments made to federal tax withholdings |
| Navy Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) W-2 | 1/7/2025 | Income from repayments on student loans |
| Army Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Civilian W-2 | 1/7/2025 | Income |
| Reserve Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force W-2 | 1/8/2025 | Income |
| Active/Reserve Marine Corps W-2 | 1/17/2025 | Income |
| Active Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force W-2 | 1/17/2025 | Income |
| Army Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) W-2 | 1/21/2025 | Income from repayments on student loans |
| Military/Military Retiree IRS Form 1095 | 1/21/2025 | Retirement Benefits, including TRICARE |
| Travel Pay 1099INT | 1/21/2025 | Interest earned on travel expense reimbursements |
| Civilian (DoD/Non-DoD) W-2 | 1/24/2025 | Income |
| Savings Deposit Program (SDP) 1099INT | 1/24/2025 | Interest earned on SDP |
| Civilian (DoD/Non-DoD) IRS Form 1095 | 1/27/2025 | Marketplace Health Insurance |
| Travel/Miscellaneous W-2 | 1/31/2025 | Reimbursements for PPM |
If you’re new to filing taxes, you might be confused about why you’ll file your 2024 taxes in 2025. 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 2024 tax documents give filers the information they need to file their 2024 tax returns in the first few months of 2025.
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, 2025, 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 2024 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 2024 tax returns.
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Rita Estella Sebree says
I need my W2 from the Army?
Ryan Guina says
Rita, you should be able to download it from the myPay website. Please contact DFAS if you have separated from military service and can no longer access myPay. Best wishes!
Will says
As an US Air Force retiree, I have not received my 1099-R in the mail yet. Today is Feb 2, 2024. There used to be a law where they had to be received in the mail by the end of January. Guess that has changed along with the postage increases
Ryan Guina says
Will, I believe organizations are required to mail them by January 31st. Either way, you should be able to log into your account to access your 1099-R. If not, contact DFAS customer for assistance. Best wishes!