Not everyone is eligible for the Free File option, which includes a limited number of forms. If you have investments or rental properties, operate a small business, or face other unique or more complicated situations, you may need to purchase a more full-featured version instead. Simply enter your W-2 and verify your military rank when prompted, and your discount will be applied when you’re ready to file. You can still file for free even if you’re filing jointly with a non-military spouse. Get the most out of your taxes this season with our tips and strategies to maximize military tax deductions for active service members. Unlike civilians who can no longer deduct moving expenses for a job under tax reform, active duty personnel can deduct moving expenses they incur in connection with a permanent change of station.
Typically, compensation for members of the armed forces includes basic pay such as salary, plus special allowances for housing and food. TurboTax Live allows customers to connect live with a TurboTax Expert via one-way video. You can get personalized, real-time answers to your tax questions at no additional cost and can even schedule a time and date that works best so you can sit down and do your taxes on your schedule. Taxpayers whose AGI is $79,000 or less for the 2024 tax year can take advantage of IRS Free File. They can use software from one of the participating companies to help them prepare their taxes for free.
Know which states tax military retirement benefits
- There are several benefits to using TurboTax Free for Military.
- If a military spouse files jointly with an eligible service member, they can use the free TurboTax military filing option.
- If you have to move for the military, you might have some questions about your residency status and how it impacts your taxes.
If you’re in the military or are a military spouse or dependent, be sure to take advantage of this valuable resource during tax season. Another benefit of TurboTax Free for Military is that it offers free one-on-one support from a TurboTax expert. This can be invaluable for military members who may have questions about their taxes or who need help navigating the software. The software is completely free for those who qualify, and it includes all of the features of the paid version of TurboTax.
Option 3: Spouse filing options
This software version was created specifically for military members and included features to account for common tax issues many service members face. Get weekly military discounts on food, travel, lodging, moving, entertainment and more. Simply start your TurboTax Online return and use your military W-2 to verify your rank, and your savings will be applied when you file if you’re eligible.
Intuit offers TurboTax online free of charge for enlisted military members, including active duty and Reserve. Military members need a robust tax solution to keep up with complex tax situations. TurboTax can handle your tax needs – and there is a TurboTax military discount. Enlisted active duty and reserve military can use TurboTax Online for free in honor of our nation’s military personnel. When you complete the tax return using the above information you will not be charged for either the federal or state tax returns.
This is perhaps the best feature I’ve seen in the new software. You can take a picture of your W-2 with your phone or tablet and upload it to your tax return in TurboTax. The software then scans the information and imports it to your return, removing the need to manually type in your information, making it both faster and more accurate.
If you’re in the United States, you can get an extra six months to file a federal income tax return by submitting IRS Form 4868 before the filing deadline. However, if you owe taxes, the IRS will charge interest from the date the payment was due unless you make your payment by the original filing deadline. Members of the United States armed forces are often deployed outside of their home state or country when tax time rolls around. This can make it difficult to file a military tax return or make payments on time. The IRS recognizes this fact and gives many military and support personnel an extension on their tax deadlines.
- The TurboTax Military Discount is valid on any TurboTax Online products, including the Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed editions.
- Let’s take a look at TurboTax features and the details of their military discount.
- TurboTax Live allows customers to connect live with a TurboTax Expert via one-way video.
- Typically, compensation for members of the armed forces includes basic pay such as salary, plus special allowances for housing and food.
- Enlisted active duty and reserve military can use TurboTax Online for free in honor of our nation’s military personnel.
Choosing the Best TurboTax Version for Your Needs
TurboTax federal and state tax filing is free for US enlisted (rank E-1 through E-9) active duty military and reservists with a W-2 from DFAS. Military members can file through any TurboTax Online (not CD/desktop or TurboTax Live) product, including TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, and Premium. This offer is not valid for commission officers, warrant officers, veterans, retirees, and the National Guard. All active duty military members, National Guard members, and Reserve members are eligible for the free TurboTax discount. This discount depends somewhat on rank, as the offer is not valid for officers. Enlisted (E-1 through E-9) active duty and reserve personnel are eligible for the military discount.
TurboTax Review: Features, Pricing and Filing Options for This Tax Season
100% accurate calculations, audit support, and your max refund. If your tax situation involves freelance work, rental properties or investment income, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid version, such as TurboTax Premier or TurboTax Premium. You can use the app to snap a pic of your W-2 and other documents and your information will be automatically entered in your return. It’s important to note that the mobile app doesn’t have access to the print center or tax tools.
Self-Employed Tax Deductions Calculator
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the deduction for moving expenses for most taxpayers, but not for active-duty military members. You can also prevent such notices from going out by emailing the IRS and providing your name, stateside address, date of birth, and deployment date to the combat zone. Be sure to attach an official document indicating your area of military operation. If you qualify for an extension, your spouse and dependents also qualify. You don’t have to file a joint return; your spouse will qualify even if you file separate returns.
Need customer support?
Look for those with military tax experience who understand combat pay exclusions, deployment-related deductions and state tax complexities. Tax season can be a daunting time for many people, but it can be especially challenging for military personnel and their families. Fortunately, TurboTax has recognized this and offers a free version of their tax software specifically for military members. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at TurboTax Free for Military and how it can help military personnel navigate the complex world of taxes. Technology has come a long way since I first started using online tax software.
Selecting the right TurboTax option depends on your tax situation. The goal is to get the features you need — without paying for upgrades you don’t. Simply start your TurboTax Online return and use your military W-2 to verify rank, and your savings will be applied when you file.
Typically, you have until April 15 of the current tax year to turbotax military free contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA for the previous year unless the filing date is extended for a holiday or other reason. For example, you have until April 15, 2025, to make a 2024 IRA contribution. As long as you pay your tax in full by the end of this deferral period, the IRS won’t charge interest or penalties. If they don’t make things right, I have an alternative for you, so please report back.