Hey there, amazing service members! Ready to tackle those taxes without breaking the bank? You've served our country, and you deserve every benefit available to you, especially when it comes to something as crucial as tax filing. TurboTax, a popular tax preparation software, offers fantastic opportunities for military members to file their federal and state taxes for free. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you maximize your savings and navigate the process with ease.
Let's dive in and unlock your free TurboTax military filing!
Understanding the TurboTax Free Military Offer
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's vital to understand who qualifies for this special offer and what it entails. TurboTax has a specific military discount that provides free federal and state tax filing for eligible service members.
Who is Eligible?
Enlisted Active Duty and Reserve Personnel (E-1 through E-9): This is the primary group that qualifies for free federal and state tax filing with any TurboTax Online product (excluding TurboTax Live and Desktop products). You'll need a W-2 from DFAS.
Important Note: Commissioned officers, warrant officers, veterans, retirees, and National Guard members generally do not qualify for the free online discount directly through the standard TurboTax military offer. However, there might be other avenues for discounts or free filing (which we'll discuss later).
What's Included?
If you qualify as an enlisted active duty or reserve member, you can file your:
Federal Taxes: FREE
State Taxes: FREE
This applies to various TurboTax Online products, including their Free, Deluxe, and Premium editions. The key is to ensure you're using a "Do It Yourself" online product and not a "Live Assisted" or "Full Service" option if you want to ensure it's entirely free, as those involve additional fees for expert assistance.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get TurboTax Free Military
Now that we know if you're eligible, let's get down to the practical steps of securing your free tax filing.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Save Money and Time? Confirm Your Eligibility and Gather Your Documents!
First things first, let's confirm you're in the right place! Are you an active-duty enlisted military member (E-1 through E-9) or a reservist? If so, congratulations, you're likely eligible for this fantastic offer!
Before you even log in, gather all your essential tax documents. This proactive step will save you a lot of time and reduce any potential frustration during the filing process.
Sub-heading: Essential Documents to Have Ready
Military W-2 Form(s): This is crucial! Your military W-2 from DFAS will be the primary document TurboTax uses to verify your military status and apply the discount.
Other W-2 Forms: If you had any civilian jobs in addition to your military service, gather those W-2s as well.
1099 Forms: This includes 1099-INT (interest income), 1099-DIV (dividend income), 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income), 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation), and any other 1099s you may have received.
Form 1098-E (Student Loan Interest Statement): If you paid student loan interest.
Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement): For educational expenses.
Records of Deductible Expenses: This could include unreimbursed military-related expenses, charitable contributions, medical expenses (if you itemize), and any other potential deductions.
Last Year's Tax Return: Having your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the previous year is often required for electronic filing and can help auto-fill some information.
Bank Account Information: For direct deposit of your refund or direct debit of any taxes owed (routing and account numbers).
Step 2: Accessing the Correct TurboTax Military Offer Link
This is a critical step. Do not simply go to the main TurboTax website. You need to use the specific military offer page to ensure the discount is applied correctly.
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Military-Specific Portal
The Best Way: Go directly to the official TurboTax Military Edition page. As of the latest information, this is typically found at:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/military-edition.jspBeware of General Links: If you start a return from a general TurboTax page, you might not automatically receive the military discount, leading to a charge at the end. Always start from the designated military page.
Step 3: Starting Your Return and Verifying Your Military Status
Once you're on the correct page, you'll begin the process of setting up your tax return.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Your Account
Click "Get Started" or "Start for Free": Look for a button that initiates the tax filing process.
Create a New Account or Sign In: If you're a new TurboTax user, you'll need to create an account. If you're a returning user, sign in with your existing credentials. Be mindful: If you previously used a "TurboTax Live" account, you might need to create a new "TurboTax Online" account for the free military offer, as "Live" accounts typically have different pricing structures.
Choose a "Do It Yourself" Product: When presented with product options, make sure you select a "Do It Yourself" online product (e.g., Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium). Avoid any options explicitly labeled "TurboTax Live Assisted" or "TurboTax Live Full Service" if your goal is completely free filing. The military discount applies to the DIY online versions.
Sub-heading: Explicitly Indicating Your Military Status
This is where TurboTax verifies your eligibility.
Navigate to the "My Info" Section: Early in the process, you'll reach a section often called "My Info" or "Personal Info."
Check the "Active Military Duty" Box: Look for a question asking about your military affiliation. You'll need to indicate that you are an active member or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces (active or reserve).
Enter Your Military W-2: When you input your W-2 information in the "Wages & Income" section, TurboTax will prompt you with questions related to military service.
Confirm Active Military Duty: On a screen labeled "Let's check for uncommon situations" (or similar), it's crucial to check the box for "Active military duty." This step is vital for the discount to be applied.
Step 4: Entering Your Tax Information
With your military status confirmed, proceed to enter all your income, deductions, and credits.
Sub-heading: Diligently Inputting All Relevant Data
W-2s First: Start with your military W-2 and then any other W-2s you have.
Other Income: Enter any other income reported on 1099 forms or other sources.
Deductions and Credits: TurboTax will guide you through questions to identify potential deductions and credits you qualify for, including military-specific ones like combat pay exclusion or moving expenses related to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Don't skip these questions! They can significantly impact your refund or amount owed.
Review Carefully: As you progress, take your time and review each section. Ensure all numbers are entered accurately.
Step 5: Review and Verify the Discount
As you near the end of the process, before you file, you'll reach the payment screen. This is where you confirm that the military discount has been applied.
Sub-heading: Checking for the $0 Balance
Payment Screen Confirmation: When you get to the "Review and Pay" or similar screen, you should see a $0 balance for both your federal and state tax filings (if you are eligible for both).
If You See a Charge: If you are an eligible enlisted active duty or reservist and see a charge, do not proceed with filing.
Double-check your entries: Go back to the "My Info" and "Wages & Income" sections to ensure you correctly indicated your active military duty and entered your military W-2.
Clear Cache and Cookies: Sometimes, browser issues can interfere. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try restarting the process from the military-specific link.
Contact TurboTax Support: If the issue persists, contact TurboTax customer support. Explain that you are an eligible military member and the free discount is not being applied. Be persistent!
Step 6: File Your Return!
Once you've verified the $0 balance and are confident in your entries, it's time to file!
Sub-heading: The Final Click
E-File: Choose to e-file your federal and state returns. This is the fastest way to get your refund.
Confirmation: You will receive confirmation emails from TurboTax once your return has been submitted and then again when the IRS (and your state, if applicable) accepts your return. Keep these emails for your records.
Other Free Tax Filing Options for Military Members
While TurboTax offers a great free option for specific military ranks, it's not the only way for service members to file for free.
MilTax through Military OneSource
Highly Recommended for All Military: Military OneSource's MilTax program is a fantastic resource provided by the Department of Defense. It offers free tax preparation and e-filing software that is specifically designed to handle complex military tax situations (like combat pay, multiple moves, etc.).
Expert Support: MilTax also provides free, personalized support from tax consultants trained in military-specific tax scenarios.
Eligibility: This service is generally available to active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members (regardless of activation status), their spouses and dependent children, retired and honorably discharged service members within 365 days of their discharge, and some other eligible groups. It's often more inclusive than the direct TurboTax military offer.
How to Access: Visit the Military OneSource website (
militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/) or call them directly.
IRS Free File Program
For Lower to Moderate Incomes: The IRS Free File program partners with various tax software companies (though TurboTax no longer participates directly in this specific program). If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is below a certain threshold (it's $84,000 for Tax Year 2023, subject to change annually), you can use free guided tax software.
Free File Fillable Forms: If your income is above the AGI threshold, you can still use Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic versions of IRS paper forms. This requires more tax knowledge.
Check IRS Website: Go to
IRS.gov/freefileto see the current list of providers and eligibility requirements.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
In-Person Assistance: The VITA and TCE programs offer free tax help to qualified individuals, including military members, their families, and seniors. These services are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.
Locations: VITA sites are often available on military installations, community centers, and other locations.
Eligibility: VITA generally helps those who make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE specializes in tax issues for those aged 60 and older.
Find a Site: You can use the IRS VITA/TCE locator tool on the IRS website.
Why Choose TurboTax for Military (If Eligible)?
While other free options exist, if you qualify for the TurboTax free military offer, there are several reasons why it might be a good choice:
User-Friendly Interface: TurboTax is renowned for its intuitive, interview-style interface, making tax preparation relatively straightforward even for beginners.
Handles Military Situations: The software is designed to handle various military-specific tax situations, such as combat pay, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.
Maximum Refund Guarantee: TurboTax often offers a "Maximum Refund Guarantee," assuring you get the largest refund possible (or smallest tax due).
Audit Support Guarantee: Many TurboTax products come with some level of audit support, providing guidance if your return is selected for an audit.
FAQs: How to Get TurboTax Free Military
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further clarify the process:
How to confirm my military rank for TurboTax?
You confirm your military rank by entering your military W-2 from DFAS within the TurboTax Online product. The software will prompt you to verify your rank (E-1 through E-9).
How to get the TurboTax military discount if I'm an officer or veteran?
TurboTax's free military offer is primarily for enlisted active duty and reservists (E-1 to E-9). Officers, veterans, and retirees typically do not qualify for this specific free offer. However, you may be eligible for discounts through programs like USAA, or you should explore MilTax through Military OneSource, IRS Free File, or VITA/TCE for free filing options.
How to ensure my state taxes are also free with the military offer?
If you qualify as an enlisted active duty or reservist and use the TurboTax Online military edition, both your federal and state tax filings should be free. The discount applies to both. Ensure you indicate your military status correctly in the "My Info" section and enter your military W-2.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for military discount issues?
You can contact TurboTax customer support through their website by searching for "contact us" or "support." Look for options like chat, phone, or their community forums. When contacting them, clearly state you are an eligible military member and are having trouble applying the free discount.
How to verify if I'm using the correct TurboTax military link?
The correct link will typically include "military-edition" in the URL, such as turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/military-edition.jsp. Always start from this specific page to ensure the discount is applied.
How to get free tax filing if I'm in the National Guard?
National Guard members generally do not qualify for the free TurboTax military offer. However, you are typically eligible for MilTax through Military OneSource, which provides free tax preparation and e-filing software tailored for military situations.
How to avoid being charged for TurboTax Live products as a military member?
To ensure free filing, do not select any TurboTax products that have "Live" in their title (e.g., TurboTax Live Assisted, TurboTax Live Full Service). These products include expert assistance and come with associated fees, even for eligible military members. Stick to the "Do It Yourself" online editions.
How to use my previous year's TurboTax data for a free military filing?
Yes, if you previously filed with TurboTax, you can typically import your prior year's information into your new return. This helps pre-fill some fields and makes the process faster. Even if you import, ensure you still verify your active military duty status for the current tax year to apply the free discount.
How to know if my income qualifies for the free TurboTax military offer?
The free TurboTax military offer for enlisted active duty and reservists is generally not income-dependent. Your eligibility is based on your military rank and active status, not your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
How to get help with military-specific tax questions beyond what TurboTax provides?
For in-depth military-specific tax questions or complex situations, consider using MilTax through Military OneSource. Their tax consultants are trained in military tax law and can provide personalized support. Additionally, you can seek assistance from a certified tax professional who specializes in military taxes.