Guest Author - Stacey Abler

February 1, 2007

Military One Source has teamed up with H&R Block to make tax preparation free and easy this tax season. H&R Block is offering its program, TaxCut Basic Online, free to all active duty, reserve, guard and their families.

To use this program, you will need to create an account with the Military One Source website. If you used Turbo Tax last year at Military One Source, you will be able to import this information into the H&R Block program to complete your 2006 taxes.

This online program will walk you through filing your taxes with tips and expert advice on each screen. Filing your taxes has never been easier or faster.

In addition to this free program, Military One Source also offers information on filing taxes. They address the unique situations servicemembers and their families face such as how to account for the time when the soldier was deployed. It also gives tips on filing if your soldier is currently deployed.

If your adjusted gross income is less than $52,000, you may also be eligible to use the FreeFile program offered through the IRS. This program is also free to use as long as you fall under the AGI guidelines.

Also, if you prefer to have someone complete your taxes for you, you can check on post for free or low cost alternatives. Many times agencies on post will offer this service at little or no cost.

If you have questions when filing your taxes (regardless of which program you are using), you can call Military One Source at 800-730-3802. They are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and are trained to handle your questions or to point you in the right direction. They are also available to help with any financial planning decisions including how to use your tax refund wisely and gain the largest benefit.

Finally, the tax deadline for 2007 has been extended until April 17th due to a holiday. So you will have an extra two days to get your taxes completed and either filed online or sent through the mail system.

Stacey Abler is an Army Wife and owner of the website, http://www.marriedtothearmy.com.
In addition, she also operates several Cafepress stores - http://www.cafepress.com/soldierswife for Army families and http://www.cafepress.com/soldierswife2 for Navy, Marine and Air Force families.