Active duty military | Nesteggg Accounting

When it comes to taxes, members of the military often have unique circumstances. IRS.gov has info on several topics that affect current and former military personnel, as well as their families. Here are resources where people can go to find more information.

Tax Information for Members of the Military is the main page on IRS.gov where people can go to find links to helpful info, resources and services.
A taxpayer’s military status affects whether they are eligible for certain benefits. Taxpayers can use IRS.gov to check their eligibility for military tax benefits. Qualifying employers include the Armed Forces, uniformed services and support organizations.
There are rules specific to those who serve in combat zones. These taxpayers and their families can find out more on the Tax Exclusion for Combat Service page. They may also want to see if special EITC rules may apply that could lead to a larger refund. They can also find out the rules on notifying the IRS by email if they are serving in a combat zone.
The Armed Forces’ Tax Guide is a comprehensive publication with info for military members. This includes:
- Special rules for military personnel serving abroad including deadline extensions
- Unreimbursed moving expenses
- Reserve component travel expenses
Most military installations offer free income tax assistance through the military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Military service members can contact their installation’s legal office for more info. Veterans may also qualify for free tax help at locations nationwide. They just have to meet income or age requirements.

Spread the word about a tax credit that helps millions of Americans

All individual taxpayers and families should claim tax credits for which they are eligible. Tax credits can not only reduce the amount of taxes owed, but some can result in a tax refund. The earned income tax credit is such a credit. It benefits millions of taxpayers by putting more money in their pockets.

The IRS encourages taxpayers who have claimed the credit to help their friends, family members and neighbors find out about EITC. They can go to IRS.gov/eitc or use the EITC Assistant tool on IRS.gov, available in English and Spanish. Word of mouth is a great way to help people who may be eligible for this credit in 2019 for the first time. People often become eligible for the credit when their family or financial situation changed in the last year.

Based on income, family size and filing status, the maximum amount of EITC for Tax Year 2018 is:

$6,431 with three or more qualifying children
$5,716 with two qualifying children
$3,461 with one qualifying child
$519 with no qualifying children

Every year, millions of taxpayers don’t claim the EITC because they don’t know they’re eligible. Here are some groups the IRS finds often overlook this valuable credit:

American Tribal communities
People living in rural areas
Working grandparents raising grandchildren
Taxpayers with disabilities
Parents of children with disabilities
Active duty military and/or veterans
Healthcare and Hospitality workers

Free tax help from volunteers:

The IRS works with community organizations around the country to offer free tax preparation services. They train volunteers who prepare taxes for people with low and moderate income. These volunteers can help determine if a taxpayer is eligible to claim the EITC. There are two IRS-sponsored programs:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: This program, also known as VITA, offers free tax return preparation to eligible taxpayers who generally earn $55,000 or less.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly: TCE is mainly for people age 60 or older but offers service to all taxpayers. The program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors. AARP participates in the TCE program through AARP Tax-Aide.

Members of the military can check out these resources to help answer tax questions

Spread the word about a tax credit that helps millions of Americans

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