Today’s post features tax preparation resources directly from the IRS that may be helpful for both active duty service members and vets. As a reminder, taxes are due this year on April 18, unless you file for an extension. Best of luck out there this tax season! I know that this can be a stressful time.
The Internal Revenue Service is committed to helping all Veterans. The IRS works with community and government partners to provide timely federal tax-related information to Veterans about tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education and asset-building opportunities available to Veterans.
The IRS Approach
The Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) office within the Wage & Investment Division has built a network of national and local partners. Organizations include corporate, faith-based, nonprofit, educational, financial and government. With so many tax benefits available today, taxes can serve as the starting point for many people’s dream of stronger financial security.
Partnership with VA
The IRS and US Department of Veterans Affairs entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015. The primary focus of the MOU is to provide free tax preparation services to Veterans and their families.
Partnering organizations prepare tax returns free of charge for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Also check out the partner Outreach Connection for links to newsletter articles, podcasts, widgets and other electronic products to help reach out to customers with timely tax news.
Contact Information
If you are interested in partnering opportunities in your area, send an email to partner@irs.gov today to let the IRS help you get started making an impact in your community!
Free Tax Preparation Services
Each year, millions of people have their taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs have helped people for more than 40 years. Over 1.3 million free tax returns were prepared for Veterans since the inception of the MOU at nearly 8,000 free tax preparation sites across the country. Here are some details about VITA and TCE:
- The IRS works with local community groups to train and certify VITA and TCE volunteers.
- VITA generally offers free tax return preparation to those who qualify.
- TCE is mainly for people age 60 or older. The program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors. AARP participates in the TCE program through AARP Tax-Aide.
- VITA and TCE provide free electronic filing. E-filing is the safest, most accurate way to file your tax return. If you combine e-file with direct deposit, you can get your refund faster.
IRS Free File
Whether you draw a paycheck, are self-employed or own a small business, you can use all available tax forms you need for free with IRS Free File. If you made $69,000 or less during 2019, you qualify for free brand-name software offered through a partnership between the IRS and leading tax software providers. Some of these providers offer free federal and free state return preparation and electronic filing. If you made more than $69,000, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, electronic versions of IRS paper forms best for someone experienced in return preparation.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Many Veterans are eligible for various tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal income tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers and their families. Roughly two million Veterans and military households receive the EITC, the refundable component of the Child Tax Credit or both, according to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The credits provide a tax break for eligible service members, allowing them to keep more of what they’ve earned and build a financial cushion for unexpected emergencies. The Tax Credits for Working Families organization produced a video sharing how tax credits are a vital resource for many who have served our country.
Financial Education and Asset Building
IRS partners recognize that financial education and asset building start with ensuring individuals and families receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. These include the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits, nutrition assistance, health insurance, heating/cooling allowance support and other national and local benefit programs. Many SPEC partners have incorporated financial education and asset building programs and services such as income support, debt and credit counseling, financial education training, banking education, home ownership and small business management into their free tax return preparation activities.
Military OneSource Resources for Transitioning Service Members and Families
Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense that provides a range of free resources for Veterans and their immediate family up to 365 days after separation or retirement from the military. MilTax, Military OneSource’s tax services, provides online software for eligible individuals to electronically file a federal and up to three state returns for free through the Military OneSource website. The service also includes tax consultants available by phone to answer tax questions related to deployment, multi-state filing, and combat pay. They also share information on military-specific and civilian tax deductions and credits.
Military OneSource is available 24/7 at 800-342-9647 and online at MilitaryOneSource.mil.
Special Tax Considerations
Veterans may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund based on:
- An increase in the Veteran’s percentage of disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs (which may include a retroactive determination) or
- The combat-disabled Veteran applying for, and being granted, Combat-Related Special Compensation, after an award for Concurrent Retirement and Disability.
Special tax considerations for disabled Veterans occasionally result in a need for amended returns.
Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016
The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016, went into effect in 2017. Under this federal law, Veterans who suffer combat-related injuries and are separated from the military are not to be taxed on the one-time lump sum disability severance payment they receive from the Department of Defense. This law instructs DoD to identify Veterans who were taxed in order for them to file an amended return to receive their refund. Go to Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act Claim Information for more details.
All information in this post comes from the official IRS website. For more information, click here.
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