Tax season can be stressful and complicated for military personnel; however, there are many ways to get through filing your taxes in a financially stress-free manner. There are several places to get either discounted or free tax prep for military members and Veterans. However, before seeking out any tax filing service, you want to ensure that you have the necessary documents to complete the process. Suggested read: James Patrick Dempsey: Former US Soldier Arrested

Your Tax Prep Checklist

Whether doing self-filing or planning to seek help from a professional, you will need a lot of personal information and documents. While it may be best to contact the professional that you are filing your taxes with to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything. The following is a lift of documents that you may need this tax season.

• Wage and earning documents (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R Forms)
• Photo ID or Military ID
• Documents for proof of deductible expenses
• Routing and accounts numbers for direct deposit
• Social security cards for yourself and dependents
• Investment income documentation

Most jobs make their W-2 forms available by the end of January. Military members and retirees can access and download these forms through the Defensive Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) MyPay website. Once you have all of the necessary information and documentation, it is time to file your taxes. Related read: Discover LA’s Japanese American National Museum

What Free Tax Prep For Military Discounts Are Available?

Nearly all professional tax prep services help both current military members and Veterans. People out of service may wonder, “Where can I get free tax prep for Veterans near me?” Below are options that cater to all military personnel.

Local Military Bases

Most large military bases offer free tax prep for military service members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) piloted by the IRS. This also includes free filing. The VITA program provides IRS trained volunteers to assist with the complicated Military-specific issues that come with filing your taxes as a service member. You can contact your local base to find out important information such as where, or if, this service is offered, operating hours, whether they do appointments or walk-ins, and what types of documentation you need to bring.

Liberty Tax

Liberty Tax is a tax expert that has 2,000+ offices located throughout the United States. Whether active or retired, Liberty Tax provides special rates on tax preparation for all military personnel. You can visit the Military page on their website to find an office near you and schedule an appointment. They also accept walk-ins at all times.

H&R Block

H&R Block is teaming up with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to provide a 10% discount on tax preparation for military members and their families. This discount is only available at military exchange locations. You can search here to find the H&R Block location on your base.

Best Tax Prep Software For Self Preparation

Though military tax prep can be complicated, many people prefer to prepare and file their taxes on their own. This may be due to anything, from the ability to save money by not paying a professional, to the want to have control over their own finances. If you are this kind of person, below are the best online tax prep for military personnel.

IRS Free File Software

The IRS Free File Software allows everyone to prepare and file taxes for free using fillable software. For those with an adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $79,000, you can use the guided tax software. If your AGI is above $79,000, you should use the free fillable forms. Both of these links can be found on the IRS website.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides free tax prep for military personnel. They also offer free filing services and consultations. This is all possible through MilTax, a free tax services suite for the military. They also offer free tax consultations with knowledge on current information about filing taxes in the military.

Things to Remember When Seeking Free Tax Prep For Military Personnel

Getting free tax prep for military personnel can be very helpful during such a complicated and stressful time. It is important to make sure that you gather all necessary documentation and set your appointments to get your filing done in a timely manner. Active duty members may be eligible for extensions on the filing and free tax prep for military members. It is important to evaluate your situation in order to choose the best filing option for you and your family. Read next: Brain Cancer Symptoms May Develop in Vets Who Suffer From TBI