Programs offer free tax filing for service members

Published Feb. 10, 2012
By Christin Michaud
Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Military members and their families may be eligible to file their taxes at no cost with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or with H&R Block through Military One Source.

The VITA program at Dover Air Force Base, Del., is supported by Unit Tax Advisors who have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service to assist people who make less than $49,000 annually, with filing their tax returns. The UTAs are also trained on military-specific issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.

"It is a free service and gives people an extra eye on their return. This helps prevent some of the more common errors, like incorrectly entering social security numbers or income information," said Capt. Drew Cutler, a judge advocate with the 436th Airlift Wing.

The other free filing option for all service members regardless of income is through a partnership between Military One Source and H&R Block.

Through Military One Source, members can file their federal and state tax returns with H&R Block.

Members need to log in to One Source or create an account first if they don't already have one, before linking to H&R Block to be eligible for the free service.

Anyone who has used H&R Block previously can import their prior returns.

"H&R Block At Home tax filing allows military members to compute and e-file their federal and up to three state returns," said Dan Young, Delaware's Military One Source.

"Many of our members need to file in more than one state," he added. "Other programs that advertise free tax filing don't mention free state filings."

The service is available to all active-duty members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force, reservists and guardsman regardless of activation status, and spouses and dependent children enrolled in DEERS.

One of the advantages of using the H&R Block program through MOS is a toll-free number where filers can receive help with their return or answers to questions they may have.

To file taxes through MOS, visit, www.militaryonesource.mil. For questions about this tax service or about preparing tax returns, please call 1-800-342-9647 and ask to speak with a Military OneSource tax consultant. Trained tax consultants are available 7-days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., EST.

For more information on VITA, call 677-3300.

(Senior Airman Matthew Hubby, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.)