The military is one of our strongest partners in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC) consists of the tax program coordinators for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Mrine Corps, and Coast Guard, and the AFTC.  The AFTC oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families.

Sailors, soldiers, marines, airmen, and guardsmen and their families worldwide get tax preparation help at offices within their installations.  These VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, and assistance to military members and their families.  They are trained and equipped to address military specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the new Earned Income Tax Credit guidelines.  The military tax programs generates hundreds of thousands of electronic federal income tax returns each year. You can listen to more information on free tax assistance available to the military and their families on this podcast.

The IRS works closely with the AFTC in anticipation of military deployments to address issues regarding combat zone tax benefits and tax filing concerns. The two entities partner to coordinate effective training, support, and operation of the armed forces’ global tax assistance efforts.

How can you participate?

If your installation does not currently sponsor the VITA Program with IRS, check with your Legal Office to learn whether it’s a possibility.  To learn more about VITA, send an email to partner@irs.gov. 

Products  --Check here for products, web sites, and other materials that may be helpful in your partnership with IRS.