Free Tax Filing for Veterans

Free Tax Filing Options for Veterans 🇺🇸

Veterans have access to several free federal and state tax filing options, including programs designed specifically for military service members and retirees.

These services can handle standard returns as well as military-specific tax situations, such as combat pay exclusions, PCS moves, and retirement income.

Tax programs and eligibility rules are overseen by the Internal Revenue Service, with additional veteran-focused resources supported by the VA and nonprofit partners.

Key Free Tax Filing Resources for Veterans

MilTax (Military OneSource)
MilTax is a free tax preparation service offered through Military OneSource. It is available to:

• Active-duty service members
• Veterans within 365 days of separation or retirement
• Eligible National Guard and Reserve members

MilTax includes free tax software and access to trained consultants who understand military tax rules.

Example: A recently retired service member can file both federal and state returns for free using MilTax, including reporting military retirement pay.

IRS Free File
IRS Free File provides free, guided tax software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less. Participating software providers offer step-by-step filing for federal returns, and many include free state filing as well.

Tip: Veterans with moderate income often qualify and can file entirely online at no cost.

TurboTax Free Edition
TurboTax Free Edition allows eligible taxpayers to file simple federal returns for free, and in many cases includes free state filing.

TurboTax Free Edition is best for veterans who:

• Have W-2 income
• Claim the standard deduction
• Do not have complex investment or self-employment income

Example: A veteran with W-2 income and no itemized deductions may qualify to file both federal and state taxes for free using TurboTax Free Edition.

~37% of filers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A).

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
VITA sites provide free, in-person tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers. Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-to-moderate income taxpayers are priority groups.

Tip: VITA is a great option for veterans who prefer face-to-face help or need assistance understanding their return.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation, either in person or virtually, with a strong focus on older adults, including retired veterans. Membership in AARP is not required.

MyFreeTaxes (United Way)
MyFreeTaxes is a United Way–supported service that provides free online filing for qualifying taxpayers and free in-person help in some locations.

Filing for Freedom
This program assists veterans with tax preparation and, in some cases, related legal or financial issues, depending on location and availability.

What to Prepare Before Filing

Having documents ready helps ensure a smooth filing process.

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security cards or numbers for everyone on the return
• W-2, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, or other income forms
• 1095-A if you had Health Insurance Marketplace coverage
• Last year’s federal tax return

Tip: Bringing prior-year returns helps volunteers or software carry over key information accurately.

Practical Recommendation File Electronically 💻

Electronic filing is the fastest and easiest way for veterans to file taxes—especially when using free programs.

Electronic filing helps by:

• Reducing errors
• Speeding up refunds
• Automatically applying credits and exclusions
• Providing confirmation that your return was accepted

Tip: Veterans with simple returns should start with TurboTax Free Edition or IRS Free File, while recent retirees or those with military-specific income may benefit most from MilTax.

Final Thoughts

Veterans have more free tax filing options than most taxpayers. Whether you prefer online software, in-person assistance, or military-focused support, there is a free option that can handle both federal and state returns.