Who is best to handle military taxes?

2019-01-21T02:59:59-05:00

I’ve done my share of reading and seeing that military taxes should be done by someone with experience in the military realm. This is my first time filing taxes while in the military, I am married, and stationed in South Korea away from my family. I am looking for recommendations on how to handle my taxes, I’m trying to file federal and state return. Thank you in advance.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 21 at 2019 3:30 AM

2019-01-21T03:30:52-05:00

Another thread addresses using Turbo Tax.

That thread also mentions the VITA which “could” be available or local post legal office/contacts for direction. SPC Private RallyPoint Member

I remember walking in the rain to deliver my Federal Income Tax return to the mail box at Ft Knox in 1954.

Please do not neglect your “home state’s” income tax either. Upon my discharge in 1956, the first piece of mail I received at my home of residence was a bill from California’s Franchise Tax Board for past due state income taxes!

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jan 21 at 2019 4:45 AM

2019-01-21T04:45:49-05:00

There is no such thing as military tax. It's income tax and that's how to treat it regardless of the country you are physically located. I recommend Turbo Tax or H&R Block software.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 4:47 AM

2019-01-21T04:47:47-05:00

There's absolutely no need for a special preparer, or any special requirements for military. If you like, the post will prepare your taxes for you, also taxact and taxslayer will prepare your return and file it electronically for free for military. Unless you are somehow claiming and itemizing more than 24,000 in deductions you can just take the standard deduction. The tax software will do all the rest.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 21 at 2019 8:57 AM

2019-01-21T08:57:22-05:00

Nothing special about it. Each installations has a Tax center which will be glad to help you in the manner.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 9:45 AM

2019-01-21T09:45:02-05:00

I always file my own on turbotax. If you have USAA you can access the program through the website, it's free for E1 -E5.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 10:43 AM

2019-01-21T10:43:50-05:00

I do mine online through H&R Block. This is the third year in a row that I have done it online and each time it has cost me $31.00. There is nothing to download, no CD's to buy. You literally go to H&R block on line and file your taxes.

They remember you each year there after so its literally no effort after your first year of doing it. I have never had any issues with it.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 21 at 2019 11:51 AM

2019-01-21T11:51:36-05:00

Everyone, including professional Tax CPAs, use software programs. Years ago I went to a CPA, gave him all necessary material to enter into his computer, left with $400 less than I came in with. Out of curiosity, I paid less than $10 for an off the shelf s/w program and the results were the same. Never looked back, do mine every year using whichever one offers the best deal.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jan 21 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-01-21T13:40:37-05:00

Go to the installation tax center. Have them prepare but NOT file. Take your prepared taxes to H&R Block. They do a free review for military. If they agree, THEN file.
Unless you have complicated taxes (business income, capital gains/losses, something like that) your local tax office is pretty competent.

I have two homes, one of which is now rented out and an "investment property," with different insurance, tax, and interest rates. Plus depreciation on both, and a couple other weird "business expenses.". Local tax office still does just as good of a job (for free) as the Block - they have never found any errors or missed deductions.
Since you are overseas, have your spouse go to the tax center - dependents are welcome at base tax centers as well. Of course, I assume that she is living on or near a base, but if you went to Korea straight out of AIT, that may not be the case. If she doesn't live on or near a base, and you don't have a tax center on you base in Korea, then probably try TurboTax, maybe?

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 21 at 2019 7:55 PM

2019-01-21T19:55:49-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, unless you have multiple sources of income (ie: rental property, private/commercial business owner, multiple employers, etc) or more than $20K in deductions, I'd recommend using TurboTax or similar. I think it's even free for junior enlisted if accessed through USAA website. I've used them for over 15 years with no issues. The software walks you through each step and has decent online help if needed.

I'd recommend staying away from H&R Botch (Block). They royally F***'d up my taxes three years in a row. Plus, they are double or more the cost of purchasing home software (such as the aforementioned TurboTax).

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Jan 22 at 2019 9:33 AM

2019-01-22T09:33:10-05:00

As active duty military you can likely file your own taxes for free using common online tax filing services.