TaxSlayer Free Military Online Tax Software
6 Free Tax Software Options for U.S. Armed Forces Members
Tax software that's designed for members of the U.S. Military includes a customized tax interview that asks questions specific to the tax return of someone in the armed forces. These questions may not be included in other versions of the same tax software, which is usually not free. The interview walks you through preparing your income tax return yourself and will e-File the return, or you can print and mail it in to the IRS.
The six options that follow are free tax software that is available to members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and includes support for deductions that are specific to military members and properly handles combat pay.
TaxSlayer Free Military Online Tax Software
This tax software is available to all active duty military members, which includes the Reserve and National Guard. If you were an active duty service member and received a 2012 W-2 form with one of the 12 EIN (Employer ID Number, found in box B on the W-2), you qualify for TaxSlayer Free Military tax software.
Learn more:TaxSlayer Versions, Features and Prices
Military OneSource with H&R Block at Home Free Online Tax Software
Starting January 14, 2013, Military OneSource is once again offering a free, electronic tax filing service using H&R Block At Home online tax software.
The service is available to active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, regardless of activation status), Coast Guard Reserve activated as part of the Department of the Navy under Title 10 authority (other Coast Guard personnel are not eligible, spouses and dependent children of these service members who are authorized in DEERS.
The tax software may also be used by a family member who is handling the affairs of a deployed service member, severely injured service members or a family member who is handling the affair of a severely injured service member who is incapable doing so on their own. Medically retired individuals are also eligible up to 180 days past End of Tour of Service, retirement or discharge date.
Details about eligibility are listed about half way down the page at Military OneSource's Filing Your Taxes Without the Headache.
TaxACT Free Federal Edition
All military personnel can use TaxACT Free Federal Edition to prepare, print and e-file their federal return online for free. This is one tax software that gives you the option to prepare and file your return on a Windows PC instead of doing it online, and a software CD runs $5.95. State returns can be added for $14.95. You can also check to see if states you resided in offer free state returns.
eSmart Tax Free for Active Duty Military
File a federal and state tax return for free if you're an active duty service member using eSmart Tax's Premium online tax software, which is appropriate for basic to complex tax returns.
Learn more:eSmart Tax Versions, Features and Prices
TurboTax Military Edition is free for junior enlisted personnel, rank E-1 to E-5. Ranks E-6 through Officer can file a federal return for a discounted price of $24.99, and state will cost you $36.99 (check to see if states you resided in offer free state returns). The free offer is good through October 15, 2013.
Active duty, retired, and reserve status military personnel can e-File a federal tax return for free with FreeTaxUSA. State returns are $9.95, and include state e-file (states you resided in may offer a free state return). With no mention of person-to-person help for tax questions on the website, it is safe to assume that FreeTaxUSA doesn't offer this service.
Tax software that's designed for members of the U.S. Military includes a customized tax interview that asks questions specific to the tax return of someone in the armed forces. These questions may not be included in other versions of the same tax software, which is usually not free. The interview walks you through preparing your income tax return yourself and will e-File the return, or you can print and mail it in to the IRS.
The six options that follow are free tax software that is available to members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and includes support for deductions that are specific to military members and properly handles combat pay.
- TaxSlayer Free Military Tax Software
- Military OneSource with H&R Block at Home
- TaxACT Free Federal Edition
- eSmart Tax Free for Active Duty Military
- TurboTax Military Edition
- FreeTaxUSA Military Tax Preparation
TaxSlayer Free Military Online Tax Software
This tax software is available to all active duty military members, which includes the Reserve and National Guard. If you were an active duty service member and received a 2012 W-2 form with one of the 12 EIN (Employer ID Number, found in box B on the W-2), you qualify for TaxSlayer Free Military tax software.
- Prepare both a federal return and unlimited state returns, with e-File for both, for free.
- Live phone support is available at no charge from January 2 through April 19, 2013.
Learn more:TaxSlayer Versions, Features and Prices
Military OneSource with H&R Block at Home Free Online Tax Software
Starting January 14, 2013, Military OneSource is once again offering a free, electronic tax filing service using H&R Block At Home online tax software.
The service is available to active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, regardless of activation status), Coast Guard Reserve activated as part of the Department of the Navy under Title 10 authority (other Coast Guard personnel are not eligible, spouses and dependent children of these service members who are authorized in DEERS.
The tax software may also be used by a family member who is handling the affairs of a deployed service member, severely injured service members or a family member who is handling the affair of a severely injured service member who is incapable doing so on their own. Medically retired individuals are also eligible up to 180 days past End of Tour of Service, retirement or discharge date.
Details about eligibility are listed about half way down the page at Military OneSource's Filing Your Taxes Without the Headache.
- File a federal return and up to three state returns for free using H&R Block At Home Tax Software.
- Tax questions are answered by Military OneSource tax consultants at 1-800-342-9647.
- If this service was used last year, log on with the same user name and password.
TaxACT Free Federal Edition
All military personnel can use TaxACT Free Federal Edition to prepare, print and e-file their federal return online for free. This is one tax software that gives you the option to prepare and file your return on a Windows PC instead of doing it online, and a software CD runs $5.95. State returns can be added for $14.95. You can also check to see if states you resided in offer free state returns.
- Interview covers all military-related income and deductions.
- Choose the military Life Events guidance for free. Hurricanes and Other Disasters topics are included for free.
- Free unlimited tax help via email.
- All TaxACT 2012 Versions
eSmart Tax Free for Active Duty Military
File a federal and state tax return for free if you're an active duty service member using eSmart Tax's Premium online tax software, which is appropriate for basic to complex tax returns.
- Includes unlimited tax support.
- File an extension for free and complete your tax return later.
Learn more:eSmart Tax Versions, Features and Prices
TurboTax Military Edition is free for junior enlisted personnel, rank E-1 to E-5. Ranks E-6 through Officer can file a federal return for a discounted price of $24.99, and state will cost you $36.99 (check to see if states you resided in offer free state returns). The free offer is good through October 15, 2013.
- Veterans and military spouses are employed by TurboTax to be available to answer your questions.
- Live tax advice by phone or chat year round for 2012 tax return.
- Support for multiple states.
- TurboTax Military Edition is equivalent to the Deluxe version of this tax software (see TurboTax Versions for details). You'll be prompted to upgrade to the $49.99 Premier version if you have investment or rental property income, or the $74.99 TurboTax Home & Business if you also have self employment income.
- All TurboTax 2012 Versions
Active duty, retired, and reserve status military personnel can e-File a federal tax return for free with FreeTaxUSA. State returns are $9.95, and include state e-file (states you resided in may offer a free state return). With no mention of person-to-person help for tax questions on the website, it is safe to assume that FreeTaxUSA doesn't offer this service.
- Simple or complex returns.
- If you need to amend your return, it's free.
- Includes Audit Assist service with a specialist that gives advice if you are audited.
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