With the 2017 tax return season upon us, a surge in potential tax scams is likely to come with it. These scams come in many forms including fraudulent returns, phony calls, fake Internal Revenue Service (IRS) emails, as well as phishing schemes. These can lead to the theft of taxpayer money and/or personal data.

Mitigation:

• Do not carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Do not give businesses your SSN or ITIN just because they ask
• Protect your financial information
• Check your credit score every 12 months
• Secure PII in your home
• Protect you personal computers by using firewalls, anti-virus software, updating security patches, changing passwords for internet accounts on a regular basis
• Do not give your personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient
• File your taxes as soon as possible

Contact Military OneSource with any tax questions and assistance with tax prep and filing.  http://www.militaryonesource.mil/taxprep

Now that tax season is in full swing…please pass along the information below about our tax services to service/family members. Veterans are eligible to use Military OneSource services as long as they are within the 180 day window of their service date (example: A service member separated or retired 5 Oct 16 and file before 3 Apr 17, it is within the 180 day window thus are eligible).

Free Tax Services from Military OneSource

Service members and military families — here’s a benefit that helps you master your taxes. Free, easy-to-use MilTax software and support services can make quick work of tax time. No need to pay for outside tax assistance or risk missing specific military tax breaks. MilTax is made for military life, so you get more, including:

Tax preparation and filing software

Use our MilTax software to prepare and file your taxes online. This free software is tailored to military life — addressing scenarios including multiple moves, deployments and more. You can work anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Plus, calculations have a 100 percent accuracy guarantee.

Specialized phone support

Get Free Tax Software

Get started using free MilTax software to prepare and file your taxes online.

You can talk with a trained MilTax consultant free during tax season (January through April 18) seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST or EDT at 800-342-9647. After April 18, trained tax consultants are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. Call anytime to schedule an appointment.

In-person tax assistance

Talk to a Tax Consultant

Call 800-342-9647 to speak with a Military OneSource tax consultant — remember these consultations are free.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free in-person tax preparation and assistance at locations on and off base worldwide. Self-file using MilTax software at a kiosk where available. Work with a trained tax professional on site. Or, arrange to drop off your paperwork and come back to e-file when your return is ready.

Helpful articles and online resources

In our Taxes section, you’ll find articles with valuable information on how to file your tax return, such as “Tax Filing Made Simple” and “Filing Taxes When a Service Member is Deployed.” You can learn how new tax laws might affect you. And you can connect with Military OneSource financial counselors to make the most of your money.

MilTax serves those who serve. As a military member, you and your family are eligible for these exclusive resources. Make quick work of tax time with all the MilTax tools and services you’ve earned.

• Michael J. Meier
• Minnesota Military OneSource Consultant
• Contractor
• (612) 751-4290 (cell)
• michael.meier@militaryonesource.com