by Kristen Paulsen

Created on: February 06, 2010

In today's economy, many Americans are rushing to get their 2009 tax refund returned.  In the military, there are unique circumstances that complicate the normal filing.  For example, with frequent moves a spouse may have worked in multiples states, a spouse may have been deployed in a tax-free zone, or the military member and spouse may have two different states of permanent residence.  With the multitude of scenarios, it can make doing your taxes a daunting task.  Add in all the tax breaks and changes in laws, most normal person would be overwhelmed with preparing their taxes.  So where does one go to receive free tax help?  We all know the costly online options, booths set-up in retail areas promoting instant cash at a costly percentage and tax consultants are all very willing to help at a price.

Thankfully, the military realizes that we need help!  There are several places that offer free services to active duty military personnel.  Some may require preparation on your part or perhaps waiting in line, but the alternative is much more costly.  Here are the top four places to look into free tax assistance.

#1.  MilitaryOne Source and go to tax services.  They offer the H&R Block home service free of charge.  You must go through their website to receive this, not the regular H&R Block or you will be charged.  Tax consultants are available 7 days a week from 7 am - 11 pm ET by calling the Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802. 

#2. VITA is a volunteer income tax assistance program offered on base that offers tax help, tax preparation and assistance to all military families.

#3. Free File is available for those that qualify.  It is in partnership through the IRS.

#4. You may also see if you qualify through the Armed Forces Legal Assistance Locater

Be weary of "free" online assistance as most will end up charging you after you have input so much information that you don't want to lose all the time and effort.  There are free online services through several IRS approved sites for lower income, so depending on how complex your taxes are, this could be an alternative.  However, being military makes you quite unique and it would be to your advantage to know the latest laws and tax breaks.  For example, "In November 2009, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, Public Law
111-97 was passed as an effort to provide military spouses something akin to the protection given to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines under the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA). " 

With new laws in effect that could potentially positively benefit your family, it is wise to seek your tax help through someone who is versed in military tax law and who is tangible to ask questions and lead you into getting the most out of your return.  It's worth waiting in line when it could potentially save you a bundle!  So, stop reading this and start collecting your information to get your taxes done early!

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