Here’s where troops and military retirees can go for free tax help

By: Karen Jowers, Army Times

Military taxpayers can save money in a variety of ways when it comes to tax preparation and filing thanks to expert guidance and free services provided by the Defense Department.

Active-duty members, retirees and their dependents are eligible for free, in-person tax preparation services at 139 military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locations around the world. VITA tax preparers save their clients an average of $250 compared to what they’d pay for a private-sector tax-prep service, said Army Lt. Col. David Dulaney, the executive director of the Armed Forces Tax Council.

They’re also well-trained by the Internal Revenue Service and the military to address the often-complicated tax situations military members face.

“We work to make sure you get every deduction and credit you’re eligible for,” Dulaney said.

Depending on the situation, that translates into a bigger refund, or into a smaller tax bill come filing time.

These tax preparers are primarily military members who have volunteered their services, Dulaney said. They’ve received more than 80 hours of training, 40 each from the IRS and the military. They must go through a rigorous certification process to earn tax-preparation certification from the IRS.

Military OneSource also lists the military VITA locations, and their contact information.