How Do I Get My Military W-2?
As a military service member, understanding your tax obligations and how to obtain your W-2 form is crucial to ensuring you’re prepared for tax season. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) require military personnel to report their income and pay taxes accordingly. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to obtain your Military W-2 form.
What is a W-2 Form?
The W-2 form is a document issued by the military to report your salary, wages, and taxable benefits to the IRS. It’s an essential part of the tax preparation process, as it shows the amount of taxes withheld and any deductions made. By using this information, the IRS can calculate your correct tax liability.
Eligibility for Military W-2
You may be eligible for a military W-2 form if you’re a:
• Military officer or enlisted service member
• Reserve or National Guard member
• civilian employee of the Department of Defense (DoD)
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, contact your HR department to confirm.
Obtaining Your Military W-2
You can obtain your Military W-2 in one of two ways:
Method 1: Online Access
Log in to the Electronic Defense Travel System (DoD EDS) through the myPay Portal. From there:
- Click on "Finance" and then "Withholding"
- Select the year for which you’d like to access your W-2
- Verify your identity and consent
- Download your W-2 form as a PDF file
Method 2: Paper Copy Mailout
If you can’t access your W-2 online, you’ll receive a paper copy around January 31st of each year:
- Check your military installation’s mailroom or distribution office
- Verify that your address is up to date with your HR department
- If you miss the mailout, you can request a duplicate paper copy by contacting your HR department
What Happens if I Lose My Military W-2
Don’t panic if you misplace your W-2! You can request a duplicate copy from your HR department by:
- Calling the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at (703) 767-1550
- Emailing DFAS.Forms.Bulk@dfas.dod.gov
- Filing Form 4506-SP, "Request for Copy of Tax Form with Self-Addressed envelope and payment (if requesting by mail)"
Timing for Military W-2 Submission
The deadline to submit your Military W-2 is January 31st of each year. This allows enough time for the IRS to receive and process the W-2 forms before tax season begins.
Summary Table: Military W-2 Timeline
| Timing | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan 31st | Online access available |
| Late January | Paper copies mail out |
| April 15th | Tax return deadline |
Tax-Related Resources for Military Service Members
The IRS and Department of Defense offer various resources to help military service members with their tax obligations:
• IRS Free File Program: Free tax filing for eligible service members, spouses, and their dependent children
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): IRS-trained volunteers offer free tax help and preparation at base libraries and community centers
• TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Free tax help for service members with questions about pensions and taxes
• DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service): Responsible for payment, accounting, and data collection for the military pay and personnel systems
In conclusion, obtaining your military W-2 is an essential step in preparing your taxes. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth and successful experience during tax season. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your HR department, the IRS, or DFAS if you have any questions or issues with your Military W-2.
