Service members can have complicated tax returns that involve unique, military-specific tax deductions and exemptions. It is important for service members to understand how incentive pay, BAS, BAH, uniform deductions, moving and travel deductions, tax free combat zone pay, and other factors can affect your taxes.
Fortunately, one of the benefits of being in the military is that most service members can qualify for free tax preparation services. These services can help you file your tax return correctly to ensure that you are taking advantage of all the tax breaks you are entitled to receive.
Most military bases offer free tax preparation services through IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs that are available to active duty personnel, dependents, and retirees. Some commercial tax preparation businesses also offer free or discounted services to service members.
The following is a list of just a few of the free tax preparation services available on or near some military bases. Help ease your tax season stress and contact these services or a service in your area for help filing your taxes this year!
Around Fort Eustis / Langley AFB
Fort Eustis Tax Center
Bldg. 2733
2733 Madison Ave.
Ft. Eustis, Va. 23604
757-878-2343
Langley Tax Center
Bldg. 801
402 Helms Ave.
Langley AFB, Va. 23665
757-225-5777
Active duty personnel, their dependents, and retirees can receive free tax preparation assistance at the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Tax Centers. The Centers will be open from February 2 – April 15 and appointments are required. Visit the Joint Base Langley-Eustis website for more information on hours of operation, required documents, and the types of tax returns they are qualified to prepare.
Around Fort Bliss
East Fort Bliss Tax Center
Bldg. AR 403
Sergeant Major Blvd.
West Bliss Tax Center
Bldg. 2910
Cassidy Road
Over 50 certified soldiers and volunteers are available at these two Fort Bliss locations to provide free tax preparation assistance to active duty personnel, their dependents, and retirees. They understand new tax laws and can answer all your questions. Visit this Fort Bliss Bugle page for further information about the tax preparation services available at the Centers and their hours of operation.
Around Lakewood, WA – Joint Base Lewis – McChord
SJA Legal Assistance Tax Center
Bldg T6069
At 41st Division Dr.
253-967-1040
Priority Kiosk Service
Bldg T6006
At the corner of Pierce St. and N. 21st St. (Lewis Main)
253-967-1040
Active duty military personnel and dependents, reservists on orders for no less than 29 days, and military retirees and dependents are qualified to receive free tax preparation services at this IRS VITA site. For faster service, there is a self-serve kiosk available to eligible clients. Visit the Lewis-McChord website for more information.
Around Fort Bragg
The Fort Bragg Tax Center
Soldiers Support Center
Building #4-2843, 6th Floor
Normandy Drive
Fayetteville, NC
(910) 396-1040 or 396-8299 (TAXX)
The Fort Bragg Tax Center provides free tax preparation, electronic filing, and tax for distribution for federal and all state tax returns. To qualify for the free services, you must be an active duty service member (including a member of the Reserve and National Guard component on active duty for more than 29 days), family member, or retiree. Appointments are highly recommended.
Around Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Legal Assistance Office
3700 Chosin Ave, Bldg 12
San Diego, CA 92140-5197
Tax Assistance / VITA Main Number: (619) 524-8713
Specially-trained Marines at the MCRD San Diego Tax Center offer free state and federal tax return preparation and filing services to all active duty and retired personnel and their dependents. Call for more information.
GO NAVY TAX SERVICE
1380 Garnet Ave # E524
San Diego, Ca 92109
1-800-518-3271
GO NAVY TAX SERVICE provides free professional tax preparation services to the U.S. military including free federal and state filing.
