Free Help Available for Tax Preparation

From the NGAUS Washington Report

Military OneSource has launched free tax software to support military members and their families in the annual task of filing taxes. The MilTax software is available through the Military OneSource website at www.militaryonesource.mil/taxpre (link is external) and walks military families through a variety of filing scenarios, said Erika Slaton, a program analyst for the Defense Department’s Military OneSource program.

The tax software allows users to submit a federal and up to three state tax returns at no cost, Slaton said. Military members and their families can speak via phone with a Military OneSource tax expert, and in-person tax-filing assistance is available on military installations at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location.

“Because these tax consultants are knowledgeable of the military community, they’ll be able to help service members and families connect the dots in helping them to complete their return,” Slaton said.

The tax services are secure, confidential and have a 100 percent accuracy guarantee by the software provider.

The tax deadline this year is April 17 because the usual April 15 deadline falls on a Sunday, and the following day is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia.

The Military OneSource tax resources are available to members of the National Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, as well as Coast Guardsmen serving under Title 10 authority, Slaton said. Other eligible personnel include retired and honorably discharged members up to 180 days past their separation, as well as spouses, dependent children and survivors.