With the winter weather we’ve seen in many parts of the country recently, it’s hard to imagine that the April tax season is around the corner.  Now is a great time to start preparing your 2011 tax returns.  Between relocations and deployments, getting your taxes in order can be a hassle, so we want to make sure that you have the support you need.  I am pleased to announce that the Military OneSource Free Tax Filing Service is back!

If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save, and file your 2011 federal and up to three state tax returns online for free with the H&R Block At Home® tool.  To access this free service, use the Military OneSource H&R Block At Home® link.  Your first step is to log in to Military OneSource (new users will need to create a Military OneSource account).  From there, you will be directed to a page with additional information on tax preparation, including a link to the Military OneSource H&R Block At Home® service.

The Military OneSource free tax filing service is designed to help military families complete their tax returns with ease.  It’s fast and secure and H&R Block guarantees that your calculations are 100 percent accurate.  Once you create an account, you can work at your own pace and save, close, and return to your taxes as often as you need to.  If you get stuck, have a question, or have to go track down a form, you can logout without starting over! For information about deductions, exemptions, and filing deadlines visit the Military OneSource Tax Program page.

In addition to filing your taxes for free, you can get support from trained tax consultants through Military OneSource. You can call 1-800-342-9647 and ask to speak with a Military OneSource tax consultant seven days a week from 7am to 11pm.  Military OneSource tax consultants understand the unique issues related to military personnel and can help you make informed decisions about your specific situation.  If you have questions about your taxes or need help filling out the online forms, Military OneSource tax consultants are ready to assist.

Before you sit down to start your return, try to gather as much data as you can ahead of time, like W-2 forms from all your employers, medical and dental expenses, child care and/or adoption costs, investment income forms, social security benefits, student loan interest forms, and home mortgage interest forms.  If you created an H&R Block at Home® account last year, then your login information will still work, and you’ll be able to access last year’s personal tax information.  Whether you are trying this service for the first time or are a returning user, remember to access the H&R Block At Home® service through Military OneSource to get the service for free. If you go straight to H&R Block, you will be charged!

If you used the H&R Block at Home® service last year or have any additional questions for us, please join our discussion.  We are always happy to hear from you and we’d love to know what you think of the service.  You have between now and Tuesday, April 17^th to file your taxes, so don’t delay!  Get started now to avoid last minute hassle and stress and be sure to take advantage of the resources available for military families that can make this tax season as smooth as possible.  Until next time, be well!