TurboTax does not offer a specific discount or special edition just for Veterans. However, as a Veteran, you have two ways to save on TurboTax:
- The featured discount: Get up to 20% off online products through any TurboTax affiliate
- The TurboTax Free Edition: Qualifying taxpayers with simple taxes can file federal and state returns free
Here’s more about discount and free TurboTax filing options, plus the top tax benefits for Veterans.
TurboTax for Veterans: Best discount | Free? | Benefits | FAQs
Veterans Can Use This Featured Discount:
Every tax season TurboTax gives their affiliates a featured offer to promote for up to a 20% discount on online products. The savings is usually consistent across their many partners, even though it might be advertised differently and co-branded with their partners’ logos.
The main consideration is more about when you file than whose promotion you click. The best 20% discount is available early in the tax season, but TurboTax pricing goes up and the discount drops to 10% as you approach March and April.
If you are a Veteran with investments or a rental property, this is probably the best discount for you. While the discount does apply to their optional Expert Assistance and Full-Service editions, it excludes Desktop Download editions and State filing fees.
Do you have simple taxes? If so, you might be able to file for free.
How Veterans Can File for Free
Retired members of the U.S. Military and veterans with simple taxes may qualify for the TurboTax Free Edition, which you can learn more about on this page at turbotax.com.
There are also other good alternatives, like MilTax (free tax prep through Military OneSource), and the IRS Free File program, which sometimes offers free software options for active military and families who meet income limits.
*TurboTax Free Edition. ~37% of filers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A)
Just because TurboTax doesn’t offer a special discounted edition of their software to Veterans doesn’t mean they don’t focus on their unique needs.
Benefits for Veterans Who Use TurboTax
The federal government offers several tax advantages for U.S. military veterans. When it comes to filing your taxes, TurboTax knows these benefits are especially important:
1. Tax-Free VA Disability Income
VA disability compensation is not taxable at the federal or state level and does not need to be reported on your tax return. This includes:
- VA disability payments
- Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits
- Housebound benefits
These benefits are designed to help cover medical care or caregiving costs and are fully tax-exempt. Certain VA grants, such as home modification grants for accessibility or vehicle grants for disabled veterans, are also tax-free.
2. Extended Time to Amend Past Tax Returns
Some veterans may qualify for extra time to file an amended tax return and claim a refund.
If you received a lump-sum disability severance payment, taxes may have been withheld incorrectly. Under the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act, eligible veterans can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) beyond the normal three-year limit.
If you received a notice from the Department of Defense, the deadline is based on that notice date. Even if you didn’t receive a letter, you may still qualify, but documentation from the VA may be required.
3. Tax-Free Education Benefits
Education benefits for veterans and their families are not taxable. This includes programs like:
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Vocational training and on-the-job training benefits
TurboTax will verify that you do not report these benefits as income on your tax return.
4. Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Many veterans with low to moderate income may qualify for the Earned Income Credit, a refundable tax credit.
- You must have earned income (wages or certain disability benefits received before retirement age).
- The credit can result in a refund even if you owe no taxes.
- Income limits and credit amounts change each year.
TurboTax software can help determine eligibility and maximize this credit.
FAQs
No. TurboTax does not currently offer a specific veteran or retired military discount. Only certain active-duty and reserve enlisted service members qualify for free TurboTax military filing.
Generally, no. Veterans who are no longer on active duty do not qualify for TurboTax’s free military tax filing program. Free filing through TurboTax is limited to eligible active-duty enlisted members
The best free tax filing option for veterans might be MilTax. MilTax offers 100% free federal and state tax preparation and filing for eligible veterans, retirees, and military families, with no income limits.
Bottom Line
There isn’t a specific TurboTax veteran discount applied automatically for retired veterans today, and the free filing benefit is reserved for qualifying active-duty members of the U.S. military. However, as a Veteran, you can get the same great discount available to civilians here this tax season.
Thank you for your service, and good luck this tax season!