How To Apply Military Discount Turbotax

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How to Maximize Your Savings: A Comprehensive Guide to Applying the TurboTax Military Discount

Are you a service member or veteran looking to save money on your tax preparation? You're in the right place! TurboTax offers excellent benefits for military personnel, and this guide will walk you through every step to ensure you get the discount you deserve. Let's get started and make tax season a little lighter on your wallet!

Understanding the TurboTax Military Discount

Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand who qualifies and what the discount entails. TurboTax has specific eligibility criteria that you need to meet.

Who Qualifies for FREE Federal and State Filing?
- Enlisted Active Duty Military (E-1 through E-9)
- Reservists (E-1 through E-9)
- Important Note: You must have a W-2 from DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) to verify your military status.
- This offer applies to any TurboTax Online product (Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium), excluding TurboTax Live products and CD/Download versions.
Who Does NOT Qualify for the Free Online Discount?
- Commissioned Officers
- Warrant Officers
- Veterans (unless they are within 365 days of separation/retirement and use MilTax through Military OneSource, which is a different program offering H&R Block software)
- Retirees
- National Guard members (though some may qualify for discounts through other partners like USAA, as mentioned below, or free filing through IRS Free File program if AGI is below $84,000)
USAA Members: If you are a USAA member, there are often additional discounts available, including free filing for enlisted members and, sometimes, free federal filing for officers for a limited period. Check the USAA tax center for the most up-to-date offers.
Key takeaway: There is generally no military discount code to apply. The discount is typically applied automatically based on the information you provide in your return.

Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let's Find Out!

Before you even open TurboTax, take a moment to confirm your eligibility. This will save you time and frustration.

Sub-heading: Check Your Rank and Status
- Are you currently active duty or a reservist?
- What is your enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9)?
- Do you have a military W-2 from DFAS?

If you answered "yes" to being an enlisted active duty member or reservist with a DFAS W-2, then congratulations, you're likely eligible for free federal and state filing with TurboTax Online!

Step 2: Choosing the Right TurboTax Product

This step is crucial because the military discount primarily applies to TurboTax Online products, and specifically excludes TurboTax Live and Desktop versions for the free filing benefit.

Sub-heading: Navigate to the TurboTax Military Landing Page
- The easiest way to ensure you're on the right track is to start directly from the official TurboTax military page. A quick search for "TurboTax Military Discount" should lead you there, or you can often find it via the main TurboTax website.
- Avoid clicking on links for "TurboTax Live" products if you're aiming for the free filing benefit, as these versions involve expert assistance and typically do not qualify for the full free discount for enlisted personnel.
Sub-heading: Select a "Do-It-Yourself" Online Product
- Once on the military page, look for options like "Do your own taxes" or specific online editions such as:
  - TurboTax Free Edition
  - TurboTax Deluxe
  - TurboTax Premium (formerly Premier)
  - TurboTax Self-Employed (if applicable)
- Even if you choose a paid online version like Deluxe or Premium, if you meet the eligibility criteria, the cost should be reduced to $0 at the end.

Step 3: Beginning Your Tax Return and Entering Your Information

This is where you'll start providing the details that will trigger your military discount.

Sub-heading: Create or Log In to Your TurboTax Online Account
- If you're a new user, you'll need to create an account. If you're a returning user, simply log in.
- Important: If you've previously started a return under a TurboTax Live account, you might need to start a new TurboTax Online account to qualify for the free military offer. TurboTax Live accounts often don't support the 100% free military discount.
Sub-heading: Input Your Personal Information and Indicate Military Status
- As you progress through the "My Info" section, TurboTax will ask you a series of questions about your personal details.
- Crucially, you need to indicate that you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Look for questions like: "I was a member or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces (active, reserve, or National Guard)." Check this box.
- You'll then be prompted to answer questions about your active duty status. Make sure you answer these questions accurately.

Step 4: Entering Your Military W-2

This is the most critical step for verifying your eligibility for the discount.

Sub-heading: Navigate to the "Wages & Income" Section
- Within the TurboTax platform, find the section dedicated to entering your income. This is usually labeled "Wages & Income" or similar.
Sub-heading: Enter Your Military W-2 Information
- You will be asked to input the details from your W-2 form. Ensure you enter all the information precisely as it appears on your military W-2 from DFAS.
- Pay close attention to box 12 with codes related to military pay (e.g., combat pay, housing allowances). While some of these might be excluded from taxable income, entering them correctly helps TurboTax accurately identify your military status.
Sub-heading: Confirm Active Military Duty
- After you've entered your W-2, TurboTax will likely present a screen titled "Let's check for uncommon situations" or something similar.
- It's vital to check the box that confirms "Active Military Duty" again on this screen. This may seem redundant, but it's a key trigger for the discount.

Step 5: Verification and Discount Application

The magic happens here! As you complete your return, TurboTax should automatically apply the discount.

Sub-heading: Complete Your Tax Return
- Continue through the rest of the tax interview, entering all other relevant income, deductions, and credits.
- TurboTax is designed to find every deduction you qualify for, including military-specific ones like PCS moving expenses or certain unreimbursed expenses.
Sub-heading: Monitor for Discount Application at Filing
- When you reach the "Review" and "File" sections, before you pay, you should see the military discount applied.
- The total cost for your federal and state tax returns should be reduced to $0 if you are an eligible enlisted active duty member or reservist.
- Do NOT proceed with payment if the discount isn't applied and you believe you qualify.

Step 6: Troubleshooting - What If the Discount Doesn't Apply?

Sometimes, despite following all the steps, the discount might not show up. Don't panic! Here's what to do.

Sub-heading: Double-Check Your Entries
- Go back through the "My Info" section and the "Wages & Income" section.
- Verify that you correctly indicated your military status (active duty/reserve) and enlisted rank.
- Confirm that you entered your military W-2 from DFAS.
- Ensure you checked the "Active Military Duty" box on the "uncommon situations" screen after your W-2 entry.
Sub-heading: Clear Cache and Cookies, Then Re-login
- Sometimes, browser issues can prevent the discount from being recognized. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then close and reopen your browser and try logging into TurboTax again.
Sub-heading: Contact TurboTax Support
- If you've meticulously followed all the steps and the discount still isn't applied, it's time to reach out to TurboTax customer support.
- Be prepared to explain your situation, confirm your eligibility (rank, active duty/reserve, DFAS W-2), and mention that the discount isn't being applied automatically.
- You can often find their contact information (phone number or chat) within the TurboTax help section. When contacting them, use keywords like "billing issue" or "military discount not applying." They may be able to apply a voucher manually.