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Round-Up
4 Ways Military Families and Reservists Can File Taxes Online for Free
Military families and reservists can file federal and state taxes online and access tax experts for free with a military discount
Updated:
February 13, 2023
It’s that time of year again. Filing taxes is confusing enough for the average American. Throw in multiple moves, deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals… and filing taxes can feel downright daunting. Thankfully, when it comes to choosing tax software, active duty service members and reservists are offered several quality options for free.
There are a few key differences between each of these free offers. Before choosing one, make sure you understand which offer meets your personal needs and preferences, especially when it comes to (1) eligibility requirements, (2) access to tax experts, (3) and cost of multi-state filings.
Find something you like? Click "Get Offer" to get the deal or tap the heart icon to add the brand to your list of favorites.
TurboTax
Free tax filing
TurboTax is in many ways the standard for the do-it-yourself tax-prep industry. Their premium products do come at a price, making their free military offering especially valuable. Enlisted active military and reservists can file both their federal and state taxes for free using any TurboTax Online products, which include Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed.
Although this offer does not include access to TurboTax’s live professional tax support, TurboTax has plenty of tips, explainers, videos and other resources you can reference.
Pros:
- Offer includes both federal and state tax filings
- Expert videos and explainers
- Intuitive design, ease-of-use
Consider:
- Only available to active duty and reservists of an enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9)
- Offer does not include live support from tax experts
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions to redeem the military discount.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button. When you are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX to access this discount.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
MilTax Services
Free tax filing
MilTax is a suite of free tax services that account for the complexities of military life. MilTax is offered by the Department of Defense through Military One Source, so you can be confident that there are no hidden fees or surprises.
MilTax is the only tax preparation and filing software provided by the DOD and is designed exclusively for our military community. The software was developed specifically to address scenarios that civilians rarely encounter, such as combat pay and dealing with multiple moves within the same tax year. It’s convenient, with trained experts readily available to support you — and it’s free, regardless of your rank or income. For more information, review MilTax’s FAQs.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for the military community
- 24/7 support from experts
- No hidden fees, regardless of rank or income
This service is exclusively offered to the military community. Follow instructions on the company's website to access these perks.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button. When you are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX to access this discount.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
Tax Slayer
Free tax filing
TaxSlayer may not have the name recognition of behemoth brands such as TurboTax and H&R Block, but it offers attractive and usable software at great price points. All active duty service members (regardless of rank or income) can file federal taxes for free using TaxSlayer’s Classic product, which includes all forms, deductions and credits.
Pros:
- Offered to active duty service members, regardless of rank or income
- Intuitive design, ease-of-use
Consider:
- State filing is an additional fee
- Offer does not include live support from tax experts
- Offer not available to reservists
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions to redeem the military discount.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button. When you are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX to access this discount.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
TaxAct
Free Tax Filing
TaxAct is not as well-known as other tax software providers, but it offers quality online software and you can get free on-demand screen-sharing access with a tax pro. While it doesn’t have as many of the bells and whistles as its competitors, the data-entry process is similar to other providers. If you value function over form and would like a little human help every once and a while, TaxAct may be a good solution for you.
All active duty service members can file their federal and state taxes for free using TaxAct’s Free, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed products.
Pros:
- Free access to tax pros
- Offer includes both federal and state tax filings
- Available to active duty service members, regardless of rank or income
Consider:
- Offer not available to reservists
- Not as “fancy” as other options
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions on TaxAct's website.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button. When you are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX to access this discount.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
TurboTax
Free tax filing
TurboTax is in many ways the standard for the do-it-yourself tax-prep industry. Their premium products do come at a price, making their free military offering especially valuable. Enlisted active military and reservists can file both their federal and state taxes for free using any TurboTax Online products, which include Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed.
Although this offer does not include access to TurboTax’s live professional tax support, TurboTax has plenty of tips, explainers, videos and other resources you can reference.
Pros:
- Offer includes both federal and state tax filings
- Expert videos and explainers
- Intuitive design, ease-of-use
Consider:
- Only available to active duty and reservists of an enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9)
- Offer does not include live support from tax experts
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions to redeem the military discount.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, when you’re shopping on this brand’s website and are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
MilTax Services
Free tax filing
MilTax is a suite of free tax services that account for the complexities of military life. MilTax is offered by the Department of Defense through Military One Source, so you can be confident that there are no hidden fees or surprises.
MilTax is the only tax preparation and filing software provided by the DOD and is designed exclusively for our military community. The software was developed specifically to address scenarios that civilians rarely encounter, such as combat pay and dealing with multiple moves within the same tax year. It’s convenient, with trained experts readily available to support you — and it’s free, regardless of your rank or income. For more information, review MilTax’s FAQs.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for the military community
- 24/7 support from experts
- No hidden fees, regardless of rank or income
This service is exclusively offered to the military community. Follow instructions on the company's website to access these perks.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, when you’re shopping on this brand’s website and are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
Tax Slayer
Free tax filing
TaxSlayer may not have the name recognition of behemoth brands such as TurboTax and H&R Block, but it offers attractive and usable software at great price points. All active duty service members (regardless of rank or income) can file federal taxes for free using TaxSlayer’s Classic product, which includes all forms, deductions and credits.
Pros:
- Offered to active duty service members, regardless of rank or income
- Intuitive design, ease-of-use
Consider:
- State filing is an additional fee
- Offer does not include live support from tax experts
- Offer not available to reservists
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions to redeem the military discount.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, when you’re shopping on this brand’s website and are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
TaxAct
Free Tax Filing
TaxAct is not as well-known as other tax software providers, but it offers quality online software and you can get free on-demand screen-sharing access with a tax pro. While it doesn’t have as many of the bells and whistles as its competitors, the data-entry process is similar to other providers. If you value function over form and would like a little human help every once and a while, TaxAct may be a good solution for you.
All active duty service members can file their federal and state taxes for free using TaxAct’s Free, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed products.
Pros:
- Free access to tax pros
- Offer includes both federal and state tax filings
- Available to active duty service members, regardless of rank or income
Consider:
- Offer not available to reservists
- Not as “fancy” as other options
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions on TaxAct's website.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through ID.me. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, when you’re shopping on this brand’s website and are ready to check out, look for a “Verify with ID.me” button in your cart.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through VerifyPass. If there is no “Get Offer” button, it means the brand doesn’t describe or promote their military discount anywhere on their website. If this is the case, you can find the brand (and their discount) in Verify Pass’s directory.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through SheerID.
To access this discount, click the “Get Offer” button and follow the instructions to verify your military status through GovX.
To access this discount, you must call or email the company's customer service team. You may be asked to present additional information to verify your military status.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and follow the instructions on the brand's website.
To access this discount, click the "Get Offer" button and apply for the store's pro deal.
This discount is only offered in stores. Be prepared to present some form of identification (e.g., Military ID, Veteran ID, DD214, etc.) to verify your military status. Review the offer details on the company's website or contact their customer service team for more details.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
TaxAct
Free Tax Filing
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions on TaxAct's website.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
TurboTax
Free tax filing
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions to redeem the military discount.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
Tax Slayer
Free tax filing
Click the "Get Offer" button and follow instructions to redeem the military discount.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
MilTax Services
Free tax filing
This service is exclusively offered to the military community. Follow instructions on the company's website to access these perks.
*This discount may also be offered to reservists, retirees, veterans, and/or family members, but the company does not specify who is eligible in their policy. It doesn't hurt to ask!
