For US military employees including the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine and Coastal Guard, one can get tax advice and assistance from the free tax services provided by the Armed Forces Tax Board. These services are provided at different levels. If you are in the military or are a veteran, you can learn more about these free services by inquiring at your local administrative office. Here is the structure of the Free Military Tax Service:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is a tax services organization that provides volunteers who provide services to military personnel. This organization works alongside the Armed Forces Tax Board to provide free tax services to members of the Armed Forces. Volunteers under this program include attorneys, tax experts, and other tax professionals. Volunteers are available throughout the United States and you can always find an office for these volunteer services near you. You can obtain the Income Tax Assistance Volunteer Office website by searching the IRS website or by inquiring at your administrative office.
Armed Forces Tax Board
The Armed Forces Tax Board is the main body that coordinates and oversees the provision of this free tax advisory service to employees of the Armed Forces. The Board sets the rules and procedures for accessing this free service. If you do not find the appropriate help at your local office or if you wish to raise any issue regarding this free tax service, you can take the matter up to the council. However, the reporting requirements of the regular armed forces must be followed.
Tax Program Coordinators
Tax program coordinators are located in the various departments of the Armed Forces and coordinate the voluntary tax service for individual units in the Armed Forces. Coordinators provide updates regarding taxation, administration, and other assistance to ensure the smooth operation of this free service.
Provides free tax services
There are many tax services that can be accessed through this volunteer program. These services include:
Return preparation and archiving services, including online filing and archiving services
Submit various IRS forms such as Foreign Income Disclosure Form, Inquiry Forms, Change of Address Form
Tax payment counseling, including setting up an “instalment payment arrangement” or applying for a compromise offer
Tax assistance when claiming special exemptions such as the innocent spouse exemption, mortgage debt relief, or injured spouse exemption