04.24.2023 By IRS

Tax Resources for Veterans

Veteran Saves and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have partnered together to provide veterans with tax resources.

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Veteran Saves has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide tax resources to veterans. The IRS is dedicated to supporting all veterans and collaborates with community and government partners to offer timely information on federal tax-related matters, such as tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education, and asset-building opportunities available to veterans.

Free tax preparation services 

Each year, millions of people have their taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), along with the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs has helped people for more than 40 years. 

Free tax preparation Qualifications  

VITA sites and volunteer return preparers offer free tax help to people who need help preparing their own tax returns, including: 

  • People who generally make $60,000 or less 
  • Persons with disabilities 
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers 

TCE is mainly for people who are aged 60 or older. The program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors, including questions about pensions and retirement. AARP takes part in the TCE program through AARP Tax-Aide. 

Note: VITA and TCE provide free electronic filing. E-filing is the safest, most accurate way to file your tax return. If you combine e-file with direct deposit, you can get your refund faster. 

You can also use IRS Free File to prepare your own taxes for free, using tax-preparation and filing software. IRS Free File gives you the option of using guided tax preparation online, at an IRS partner site or through Free File Fillable Forms. 

Credits and benefits 

  • Many Veterans are eligible for various tax credits including the  Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal income tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers and their families. Roughly two million Veterans and military households receive the EITC, the refundable component of the Child Tax Credit or both, according to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The credits provide a tax break for eligible service members, allowing them to keep more of what they've earned and build a financial cushion for unexpected emergencies. The Tax Credits for Working Families organization produced a  video  sharing how tax credits are a vital resource for many who have served our country. 
  • Veterans also may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund based on an increase in the Veteran's percentage of disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs (which may include a retroactive determination), or the combat-disabled Veteran applying for, and being granted, Combat-Related Special Compensation, after an award for Concurrent Retirement and Disability. Special tax considerations for disabled Veterans occasionally result in a need for amended returns. 

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