Common tax forms like W-2’s have probably been gathering in your mailbox. Tax forms are due by April 15 and there are many programs that help you file them. Luckily for us, many of these programs are FREE or Discounted to Military personnel.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the average cost to have someone prepare your taxes was $246-143 (depending on if you have itemized deductions). This may be well worth it to have an expert do it and save you the headache and hours trying to read through all the pages of instructions. Others like to do it themselves and can find do-it-yourself products from $8-$60. Both have their pros and cons. Here’s an interesting article that discusses both sides. Here is an opinion that you should always let the pros do it.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Military Tax Software Discounts!
Turbo Tax for Military
Turbo Tax
- Free Federal and State if you are E1-E5
H&R Block Through Military One Source
- If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save and file your 2013 Federal and up to 3 State returns online at no cost with the H&R Block Basic tool
- Go directly to HR Block’s sites by clicking here
Tax Slayer – Free Military E-Filing
- Tax Slayer
- Our Military Edition is available to all active duty military members, which includes the Reserve and National Guard.
IRS Free File
FreeTaxUSA
These 5 resources give you a chance to use your Military status to save on your Tax-Filing costs. If you have any experiences with any of the above Military Discounts please comment below. I have hired someone to do mine for the last several years and have still not decided which route to choose this year. Please comment below with your experience.
FREE federal e-files from H&R Block
Make tough times a little easier. File your simple return for FREE with TurboTax® Federal Free