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 href="http://www.IRS.gov">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)
href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf