Veterans tax information and services

 

If you’re a veteran, you can get free tax prep with the IRS and assistance from other government agencies.

On active duty? Find tax information for members of the military.

On this page

Free tax preparation
Excluded benefits from taxable income
Tax refunds and credits
Scams
IRS job opportunities
IRS forms and publications in alternate formats
Veterans Administration programs
IRS partners

Free tax preparation

You can get free tax prep in these ways:

IRS Free File

If your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less, you can file electronically with an IRS Free File software provider. If your income is higher, you can use Free File fillable forms.

Find IRS Free File options

IRS Direct File

If you live in a participating state, e-file your federal tax return directly to us for free with IRS Direct File.

In person with an IRS-certified volunteer

Get free tax prep help if any of these apply to you:

  • Earn $64,000 or less
  • Have a disability
  • Need language support

Military OneSource

Use the MilTax software to file federal and state returns for free up to 365 days after military separation or retirement. Find help on other topics on MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647.

Benefits excluded from taxable income

If you receive certain benefits or compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you may exclude them from your taxable income.

Disability benefits

Don’t include disability benefits you received from the VA in your gross income. Examples of disability benefits include:

  • Disability compensation and pension payments to you or your family
  • Grants for your home designed for wheelchair living
  • Grants for motor vehicles for loss of your sight or use of your limbs
  • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program

Taxable and Nontaxable Income, Publication 525

Education benefits

Don’t include Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits in your income.

Eligibility for military tax benefits

Tax Benefits for Education, Veterans Benefits, Publication 970

Compensation for lump-sum payment

Don’t include the 1-time lump-sum disability severance payment from the Department of Defense you received when you separated from the military due to combat-related injuries.

If you already paid taxes on this payment, file an amended return to get a refund.

Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act Claim information

Tax refunds and tax credits

Certain refunds and credits can give you money back as a veteran.

Refund for VA-granted compensation

You may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund if you received:

  • An increased Veteran’s disability percentage from The Department of Veterans Affairs, including retroactive determinations.
  • Combat-related special compensation you were granted for concurrent retirement and disability.

If these apply to you file an amended return to get a refund.

Earned Income Tax Credit

You may get money back with this refundable credit—even if you don't owe tax or aren’t required to file.

Earned Income Tax Credit

Military rules for the Earned Income Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

If you have qualifying children, you may get money back with this credit.

Check if you qualify for the Child Tax Credit.

Tax Credits for Workers and Families video: Tax credits help veterans and service members make ends meet

Scams

Be aware of scams that target veterans. Know the signs, find what to do and how to report scams, identity theft and fraud.

IRS job opportunities

If you’re a veteran and have a disability per the VA, you may qualify for IRS jobs and internships under our veterans hiring programs.

IRS forms and publications in alternate formats

If you have a disability, find accessible forms and publications.

If you need help accessing these products, visit forms and publications for people with disabilities.

Find help with housing, employment, healthcare, justice- and reentry-related services from VA programs for at-risk veterans and their families.

Veterans Administration programs

Crisis Line

Get help by phone, text or chat with the Veterans Crisis Line. Support is available for you, your family or loved ones 24/7, 365 days a year. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

At-risk veterans and families

Find help with housing, employment, healthcare, justice- and reentry-related services from VA programs for at-risk veterans and their families.

Stand Downs

The VA and other organizations hold 1–3-day events to provide: food, clothing, health screenings, referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services. Find upcoming Stand Downs near you. To participate, please contact the VA contact listed.

The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service can help you with free tax preparation, IRS letters, notices and levies on wages or bank accounts.

Legal help

You may qualify for free legal aid from the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program.

IRS partners

If you represent or work with a veteran’s organization, you can partner with us. We offer:

  • Free tax return preparation
  • Outreach materials such as articles, social media and brochures

Email partner@irs.gov.

Learn more about the Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication office.

Related