Military Tax Filing Options: Free Resources Every Service Member Should Know
Summary:
Active-duty military personnel and their families have several ways to file their federal taxes for free. These programs offer online preparation, e‑filing, direct deposit of refunds, and valuable benefits such as extra time to file when stationed overseas or serving in a combat zone.
Quick Facts
MilTax: Free for all eligible military members; no income limits.
IRS Free File: Available to military with 2025 AGI under $89,000.
Free File Fillable Forms: Open to everyone, regardless of income.
Extra filing time applies for those overseas or in combat zones.
Combat pay may be excluded from taxable income.
Special EITC rules may increase refunds for service members.
1. MilTax: Designed Specifically for Military Life
MilTax, offered through Military OneSource, is built for the unique tax situations that service members face, including:
Combat zone pay
Deployments
Multiple moves in one year
State residency complications
MilTax allows eligible users to file:
1 federal return
Up to 5 state returns
At no cost
With no income restrictions
2. IRS Free File: For AGI Under $89,000
Active-duty military with an adjusted gross income under $89,000 for 2025 can use IRS Free File guided software.
What it offers:
Step-by-step tax preparation
Free electronic filing
Free direct deposit refund processing
If your income qualifies, this is a simple and reliable option.
3. Free File Fillable Forms: Available to Everyone
For taxpayers who prefer to prepare their own return manually, the IRS also offers Free File Fillable Forms. These are:
Free
Electronic
Available to all income levels
This option is best for taxpayers who are comfortable with IRS forms and need no guidance.
4. Additional Time to File for Military Personnel
Service members stationed outside the United States automatically receive more time to file their federal tax returns.
Those serving in combat zones receive:
Additional automatic extensions
Possible exclusion of combat pay from taxable income
This can lead to:
Reduced taxable income
Potentially larger refunds
5. Special Rules for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Special EITC rules apply to military members. Combat pay may be counted as earned income for EITC calculations even though it’s not taxable.
This can result in:
Higher EITC eligibility, or
A larger credit, which increases refund amounts
If you qualify, this can be an important benefit.
Where to Learn More
The IRS provides detailed military tax guidance here:
Need Help With Military Tax Filing?
Military tax situations can be complex—especially when dealing with multiple relocations, combat zone rules, and special credits. If you would like help filing your return or understanding your options, I’m here to assist.