What's the best way to do taxes in active status?

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 15:56:48 -0500

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 3:57 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 15:57:59 -0500

I've always used turbotax

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 4:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 16:08:50 -0500

If you have any doubt about doing your taxes properly by yourself, I highly recommend you take your tax forms to either H&R Block off base, or to your base tax office and have them prepare your tax return for you.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 30 at 2017 7:14 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 19:14:18 -0500

I always used TurboTax while on active duty. I received the same returns I would have had I paid for the over priced H&R Botch (not a typo!) for a fraction of the cost. I still use TurboTax even now as a civilian.

Incidentally, H&R Botch screwed my taxes three years in a row. Each year they said I owed money and the IRS always sent back a corrected form with a refund. After having paid well over $150/yr for my taxes to be filed incorrectly, I started using TurboTax for less than $40 and haven't had an issue since.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 30 at 2017 7:56 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 19:56:37 -0500

As the dinosaur here, I always did them by hand by myself when on AD. Frankly there was H&R Block and a couple others around that you could bring your information to and they'd do your taxes. I never trusted them plus I was no way near organized enough to be able to bring all that stuff in at one time, so working at my pace made sense. Now there are lots of tax preparation services out there to choose from but I've used Turbo Tax for at least the last 11 years. As with when I did my own, I can work at my pace and don't have to bring all my information to anyone. I don't buy any software though, I use the online version and never have had any issues. The online version is always up to date so you don't need to worry about buying updates to get last years software ready for this years taxes. I'm beyond the EZ Form for filing so have to pay, but the cost is reasonable however wouldn't have any qualms about using the free version if I could. You always have the option of printing or saving your return to file, so there's no chance of losing any information. Additionally if you do itemize and make donations to charity they have a program that allows you to record donations as you make them and then import them into your return when you do your taxes; this is extremely helpful.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 30 at 2017 8:12 PM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:12:31 -0500

I think almost all AF bases, and maybe the military as a whole, have the VITA program. I volunteered and still use it when available. Basically it's military being taught a short class by IRS folks to prepare military (and retirees when possible) taxes. Great program and an awesome volunteer (re: EPR bullet LOL) opportunity.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Jan 30 at 2017 8:46 PM

PO2 Robert M. — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:46:22 -0500

I used a residence where they did not tax my military income, I believe it was Florida ( my last duty station prior to being shipped overseas!) That saved me a lot on taxes, and it was totally legal!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 31 at 2017 1:10 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 01:10:35 -0500

Probably TurboTax as recommended by others. When you get into a multifaceted portfolio later on, you'll likely transition to a CPA. Noticed TurboTax botched my state return last year. Put in a trouble call. They set up a case number and I got an email 5 minutes later telling me the case was closed. Refused to pay the small penalty. They're on my shit list now. So I do basic entry into TurboTax and send the file to the CPA. He tweaks, gets other stuff from me, and we're good to go. We get audited more frequently because we screwed up and actually created a nice retirement. Go figure.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 11:40 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 11:40:08 -0500

I have used TurboTax and TaxAct since the early 2000's.

Both are free, and as an A1C, it's highly unlikely you need to itemize your taxes. In my experience, anyone who can do high school math should be able to successfully complete their taxes using either program unless they have extremely complex investments, real estate, etc. Those who have complex situations usually already know when they're in this category.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 2:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 14:56:15 -0500

Most legal buildings on base has a tax center that will do your taxes. Get with your first line leader to find out where it is located. No point in paying for a service that can be provided for free.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 8:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 08:19:42 -0500

I've been using Tax Act since 2003. It's free to file your federal return for Active Military and very easy to use.