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New Member
posted Mar 16, 2024 10:13:40 AM

How does an Army ROTC recipient (who has a DOD ID) answer the questions regarding military service? The DFAS site does not contain a W2.

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 17, 2024 10:54:03 AM

You would not indicate that you have a military status.  As an ROTC Cadet you are not a Department of Defense (DoD) employee; you are getting a stipend and scholarship so there will typically not be a W2 unless you attend some kind of military training camp outside of school, for example.  If that is not the case, you are not employed by the DoD, nor are you on any military orders stationing you in a state for military duty.   

 

The questions in "MY Info" regarding military service are to trigger the proper handling of a military W2 which you will not have by your state(s).     

 

The second reason for the questions is for the military free file with TurboTax.  In any case you need to have W2 to be eligible. Further, as an ROTC cadet you would not be enlisted (nor do you have a pay grade); another criteria for the military free file.