Free Tax Filing Options for U.S. Military Members - 2024

Here are five ways U.S. military members can file their taxes for free.

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Key points

• Tax prep and filing fees can be costly.
• Here are five ways active U.S. military members can file their tax returns for free.

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Tax season is here, which means it's time to begin preparing your income tax return. If you're a U.S. military member, you may be looking for ways to save money on tax prep fees. The good news is, you may not have to pay these fees at all.

U.S. military members and their families are eligible for free tax prep resources. Using these resources can help you keep more money in your wallet. Here are five ways to file your taxes for free if you're an active military member:

1. MilTax

The Department of Defense and Military OneSource provide MilTax, a free tax preparation and e-filing software available to all active duty service members and their families. This tax prep solution is easy to use and is designed to address unique military tax needs. By using MilTax, you can complete and file your federal return and up to three state tax forms at no cost.

2. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer offers free federal tax filing to all active U.S. military members. There are no income restrictions or other restrictions in place to qualify for a free federal return. However, you will be charged to file a state return. Each state return can be filed for $36.95.

3. TaxAct

Active duty military members can use TaxAct to file their federal and state tax returns for free. By entering an eligible Employer ID Number (EIN) during the filing process, the free offer will be applied.

4. TurboTax

Enlisted active duty military and reservists can file their federal and state tax returns for free with TurboTax. The following online TurboTax products qualify for this offer:

• TurboTax Free Edition
• TurboTax Deluxe
• TurboTax Premier
• TurboTax Self-Employed

Commissioned officers, warrant officers, veterans, and retirees don't qualify for free tax filing with TurboTax.

5. IRS Free File

The IRS offers its Free File service to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less. Keep in mind the income limits are for individuals and couples filing jointly. Military members and their families that meet these income requirements may want to consider this option for free federal tax return filing.

If you qualify, you can use a participating tax prep company to file your federal tax return for free. Some companies may include a state tax return for free -- but others charge extra.

While the program AGI limit is $73,000, some participating tax prep companies set lower income limits to use their free filing service.

For example: FreeTaxUSA participates in the IRS Free File program but only offers free federal tax return filing to taxpayers with an AGI of $41,000 or less.

Be sure to review each company's offer restrictions before beginning your tax return.

Don't delay filing your tax return

If you're a service member, take advantage of free tax filing services. Tax prep fees and filing fees can add up fast, so by saving money on these costs, you may be able to reach your personal finance goals sooner.

No matter how you choose to prepare and file your 2021 tax return, ensure you do so before the upcoming April 18 tax deadline. Now is an excellent time to begin organizing your tax documents. Using online tax software can make the process easier and less stressful.

If you'd like to learn more about free tax software options, look at our list of best free tax software.