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Free Federal Income Tax Assistance for Members of the Military Available
Military members and their spouses may be eligible to receive free tax
return preparation assistance. The U.S. Armed Forces participates in the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and provides free tax advice, tax
preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and
their families.
1. Armed Forces Tax Council
The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees the operation of the military tax
programs worldwide, conducting outreach with the IRS to military personnel and
their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine
Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.
2. Volunteer Tax Sites
Volunteer assistors at Military-based VITA sites are trained to address
military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the new
Earned Income Tax Credit guidelines.
3. What to Bring
To receive this free assistance, you should bring the following records to
your military
VITA site:
- Valid photo identification
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a social
security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
- Current year's tax package, if you received one
- Wage and earning statement(s) -- Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
- Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year's federal and state tax returns, if available
- Checkbook to get routing number and account number for direct deposit
- Total amount paid for day care and day care provider's identifying number
- Other relevant information about income and expenses
4. Joint returns
If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly and you wish to file your tax
return electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the
required forms. If it isn't possible for both of you to be present, a valid
power of attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file the
return.
5. Special Exception
There is a special exception to using a power of attorney for spouses in
combat zones that permits the filing spouse to e-file a joint return with only a
written statement setting forth that the other spouse is in a combat zone and is
unable to sign.
For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide,
available on the IRS Web site at http://www.IRS.gov or order a free copy by
calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Links on IRS.gov:
Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide (PDF)
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf
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