Tax Center

In-Person Assistance:

Location: Bldg. 219, Law Center, MCAS Cherry Point
Every Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (starting 11 February)
For Active Duty service members with Basic Returns.
Please call (910) 449-6169 to schedule an appointment.

Basic tax return:

• W-2 income (income only from wages, salaries, tips, or unemployment compensation)
• Limited interest, dividend, stock and bond income (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-B) – income from these sources not to exceed $1,500
• Standard deduction ($14,600 single, $29,200 married filing jointly, $21,900)
• Student loan/education deductions (1098-E)

NOT for: 

• Self-employed – for example rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) 
• Rental income
• Earnings from investments like stocks and bonds greater than $1,500
• Itemizing
   

FILING ONLINE:

The majority of tax returns can be filled online and by the member for free at MilTax:

• MilTax: Members of the military and qualifying retirees can prepare and e-file their taxes for free through MilTax. The MilTax website can be found here: Military Tax Resources, Free Tax Filing • Military OneSource
  • Military OneSource Instructions.pdf
• IRS Free File: Taxpayers who do not qualify for MilTax have other options to prepare  and e-file their federal taxes for free. Those who earned less than $79,000 in 2023 can use IRS Free File software. Any taxpayer, regardless of income, who is comfortable completing their tax forms digitally can use Free File Fillable Forms. The IRS Free File software can be found here: www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

OTHER RESOURCES:

The IRS has a variety of other resources to help members of the military and their dependents navigate filing taxes while in the military:

• Military Tax Benefits: Military status can affect a taxpayer’s eligibility for certain military tax benefits. Taxpayers can check their eligibility for military tax benefits here: www.irs.gov/individuals/military/eligibility-for-military-tax-benefits
• Combat Zone Tax Benefits: There are rules specific to those who serve in combat zones. These taxpayers and their families can find out more here: www.irs.gov/individuals/military/tax-exclusion-for-combat-service
• EITC: Military members should also review special EITC rules. If these apply to their tax situation, it could lead to a larger refund. Find more information here: www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc and www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/military-and-clergy-rules-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit
• The Armed Forces’ Tax Guide: IRS Publication 3 is a comprehensive publication with info for military members including information on: special rules for military personnel serving abroad including deadline extensions, unreimbursed moving expenses, and reserve component travel expenses. The Armed Forces’ Tax Guide can be found here: www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-3

For retirees, civilians and veterans, there is a free physical tax return preparation center at 311 Middle Street in downtown New Bern. They are open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. until April 18, 2023. Their phone number is (252) 772-5245 and their website is www.newbernvita.com.  This is a private non-profit; no federal endorsement should be inferred.

Tips for Taxpayers to Make Filing Easier:

The IRS urges filers to follow these steps to avoid unnecessary delays in processing and issuance of refunds:

• File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds.
• Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.

Key Filing Season Dates:

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for the tax-year 2024 filing season:

• January 12: IRS Free File opens.
• January 16: Due date for 2023 fourth quarter estimated tax payments.
• January 26: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.
• January 29: Filing season start date for individual tax returns.
• April 15: Due date of filing a tax return or to request an extension for most of the nation.
• April 17: Due date for Maine and Massachusetts.
• October 15: Due date for extension filers.
• Please note that tax laws are subject to change at any time.

For guidance on how to utilize the MilTax software from Military OneSource, please see the following PDF document: Military OneSource Instructions.pdf