Navigating tax season can be a headache for first responders. Thankfully, some top tax preparation services may offer discounts for those looking to save money on their annual tax preparation. Discounts might also be available directly from tax preparation companies or accessible through group purchasing programs, like ID.me. First responders might also have access to discounted tax services through their union or professional association membership, or as an additional employer benefit or personal insurance provider.
Furthermore, tax preparation, depending on your filing status, income sources, credits and deductions, can be time-consuming. Although the do-it-yourself route with a pencil and calculator can be satisfying, your time is money. The go-it-alone route also creates a risk that you might make a math mistake or miss a tax deduction or credit. As a result, you will probably want to weigh your options when it comes to whether to prepare your own taxes or seek out an accountant to handle the job.
A web-based tax preparation service like Intuit TurboTax walks you through a step-by-step process to determine your tax liability, if any, and preferences for receiving a refund. Using a tax preparation service will likely save you time, especially in subsequent years after you’ve entered your demographic and employment information, but unless you are eligible for free filling, you are going to have to pay a fee.
Fortunately, as a police officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic or corrections officer, there might be ways to save money on tax preparation services.
Am I eligible for IRS Free File?
If your 2024 adjusted gross income is $84,000 or less, you are probably qualified for IRS Free File and a free federal tax return. Check out the requirements and the steps to get started on the IRS Free File website.
What are some other free filing options?
AARP has free tax preparation from AARP foundation Tax-Aide. If you use FreeTaxUSA, filing federal taxes is always free, and state taxes are $14.99. There are no forced upgrades on federal returns. Federal returns are free via ezTaxReturn as well.
Which tax preparation service is known for being easy to use?
Intuit TurboTax is user-friendly and is known for making taxes easy to navigate for the average user. And the more you know about your own taxes, the more likely you are to walk away with a larger tax return. TurboTax can service taxpayers of all types, but while it is user-friendly, there are cheaper options out there.
Are there tax preparation discounts for active-duty military or veterans?
Many of the top online tax-preparation services provide their best discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans. If your entry into public safety was through the military, you may be eligible for discounts from these national tax preparers:
- Liberty Tax has special pricing on tax preparation for all active-duty and veteran service members via Military.com – 25% off all fees and extensions.
- Intuit TurboTax offers free filing for active duty and reservists. Offer valid for active duty and reservists of an enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9) with a W2 from DFAS. This offer also excludes National Guard members and TurboTax Live products.
- TaxAct has a free filing program for active-duty military personnel.
- TaxSlayer also offers free filing option for active-duty military members.
With the above programs and other first responder discounts, make sure to read the fine print to ensure your eligibility. For example, the Intuit TurboTax deal excludes National Guard members and is only for enlisted ranks of E-1 to E-9. Free military filing might only include your federal return, and you may be charged an additional fee for your state return. Also, if you don’t have a simple tax situation, fees may be applied. Examples of credits, deductions or income that make your taxes more complex include Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, a mortgage interest deduction, social security benefits, self-employment income, rental income and stock sales.
How can I work with a public safety tax preparation specialist?
The specialized knowledge and experience of firms like Molen & Associates offer tax services specifically geared toward law enforcement, while FirefightersFirst Tax Services can help you receive eligible public safety deductions or tax credits, or submit income from a private security job or secondary employment.
I.A. Rozen & Associates, a Florida-based tax preparation firm, offers a $75 discount to military personnel and first responders. This includes active-duty military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers/law enforcement. Additionally, Robert Hall & Associates serves law enforcement professionals and firefighters in California.
If you choose to work with an in-person tax preparer in your community, ask the firm to offer a discount to you and other first responders. Word-of-mouth in the station, as well as online reviews from a trusted first responder, can propel new clients to a local small business.
Are there first responder discounts from identity verification websites?
You may have already completed identify verification through ID.me, GovX or SheerID to receive discounts and cash-back offers from top national brand partners like Yeti, Carhartt, Verizon and Dell. Brand partners of these organizations may offer tax preparation discounts for first responders.
While GovX and SheerID don’t seem to have any available discounts for 2025, ID.me offers a variety of tax preparation discounts, including the following:
- Intuit TurboTax: Up to 10% cash back
- TaxSlayer: Up to 25% cash back
- TaxAct: 15% off federal tax flings
- H&R Block: Save 20% on H&R Block tax software products
- E-file.com: 30% off E-file.com, plus up to 28% cash back
- TaxExtension.com: Up to 20% cash back
- Liberty Tax: Up to 15% cash back
- ezTaxReturn: Up to 15% cash back
Can I get a discount through my insurance company or credit card?
Check with your insurance, bank and credit card companies to see if tax service discounts are offered to first responders.
USAA members can save 20% or more and get their refund 5 days early via Intuit TurboTax. Enlisted active duty and Reserves can file their federal return free. Other members save 20% whether you get a tax expert to help or file on your own.
Are tax preparation services safe and secure to use?
According to the IRS, while most tax return preparers are trustworthy and provide high-quality service, some engage in fraud, identity theft and scams. Taxpayers must understand who they’re hiring and ask the right questions before handing over their sensitive personal and financial information. The IRS offers tools to help taxpayers choose their tax preparation services.
This article, originally published in 2024, has been updated with new tax service information and discounts.
