Free Tax Filing and Money Help for Veterans

What it is

Taxes and money questions can get confusing after the military. Good news: a lot of help is free.

VA benefits and taxes

VA disability compensation and VA pension are not taxable income. Don't report them as income on your federal return. Many education benefits and some grants are also tax free. If you got a back pay award that covers past years when you paid taxes on military retirement, you may be able to amend old returns. A tax preparer who knows veteran issues can help.

MilTax

MilTax is free tax software and one-on-one help from Military OneSource. It's built for military life, including combat pay, moves and state residency rules. It covers your federal return and up to five state returns.

• Who: Service members, their spouses and kids, and veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement. Some surviving family members qualify too.
• When: The software for the next season opens in January 2027.

VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. Many sites near bases know military and veteran tax issues. VITA is mostly for people with low to moderate income or simple returns. Find a site with the IRS locator.

IRS Free File

IRS Free File offers guided tax software from IRS partners at no cost. For the 2026 filing season, it was open to people with an adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less. It reopens in January 2027, and the limit may change. Anyone can use the IRS's free fillable forms.

Free financial counseling from VA

If you get a payout from SGLI, VGLI or FSGLI, or you got a TSGLI payment, VA pays for free financial counseling through a company called FinancialPoint. It includes a personal financial plan, phone and email help, and a free online will tool. It lasts two years from when the claim is paid.

• SGLI, VGLI and FSGLI beneficiaries: 888-243-7351
• TSGLI recipients: 800-428-3416

Military OneSource (800-342-9647) also offers free financial counseling to service members and families, and to veterans for a period after separation.

How to get started, step by step

1. Gather your tax documents, including W-2s, 1099s and your VA benefit letters.
2. Recently out? Use MilTax at militaryonesource.mil.
3. Otherwise, check IRS Free File or find a VITA site.
4. Got a life insurance payout? Call FinancialPoint before you make big money decisions.
5. Want ongoing help? Ask a VSO or Military OneSource about money coaching.

Mistakes to avoid

• Paying someone to file a simple return. Free options are out there.
• Reporting VA disability pay as income. It's not taxable.
• Falling for "VA benefit buyout" offers. Selling your future benefits for a lump sum is a scam.
• Making big moves right after a payout. Get free advice first.

Related benefits

See our guides on VA life insurance, VA Solid Start, state veteran benefits (some states don't tax military retirement), and disability compensation.