There’s Still Time to Get a Head Start on Tax Season 

Tax season will be here before you know it and we want to make sure you are prepared. This is the perfect time to double check that everything is correct with your tax documents, so you have them when you are ready to file.  

Start with myPay 

The best tool DFAS offers for ensuring a smooth tax season is a myPay account (https://mypay.dfas.mil). myPay is a convenient online system for managing your tax season needs. myPay offers a way to download and print tax statements for your retired pay.

You will also find all of your important retired pay information, including your IRS 1099-R, which is already available in myPay. As a reminder, the 1099-R is the retiree tax statement, like the W-2 provided to wage earners. The 1099-R documents the amount of taxable retired income earned and how much was withheld in taxes – and must be filed with your tax return.

You can download and print your current tax statement as well as prior year 1099-Rs (up to four years) if you want to compare or need to file an amended return.

If you have not logged into myPay recently, this is a good time to log in and make sure we have your correct mailing address and email address. You don’t want any important correspondence or paperwork going to the wrong location. 

Additional Ways To Get  A Duplicate 1099-R 

If you are not using myPay, we offer other convenient options to request a replacement IRS Form 1099-R. 

As of February 10, 2025, you can get your 1099-Rs sent to your address on file with DFAS or to a one-time temporary mailing address by submitting a request online. Our online request also accepts international addresses. It’s easy to find on our Quick Tools webpage: (https://www.dfas.mil/raquicktools) 

To use telephone self-service for retirees: 

• Call 800-321-1080 or 317-212-0551 
• Select option “1” for self-service 
• Select option “1” for 1099-R 
• Select option “1” to request copies of your tax documents  
• Enter your social security number when prompted  

Your 1099-R should be in the mail within 7-10 business days to the address we have on record. 

If you prefer traditional mail, you can send us a written request by fax or mail, but please make sure you leave time for processing. It can take up to 30 days to process requests received by fax or mail. Find instructions here: https://www.dfas.mil/rettaxes 

Members with unique situations can speak directly to one of our customer care representatives. Depending on call volume, you may have to wait on hold while we assist other customers. For more information, go to:  
https://www.dfas.mil/racustomers 

Changing Your Federal Tax Withholding  

If you need to change your withholding, you can do it easily in myPay. You can also fill out and mail an IRS Form W-4. The form is available on the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov) and is also linked from the DFAS Forms webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/raforms  
  
Please note: you are not required to file a new Form W-4 each year unless you claim exemption from federal tax withholding. If you claim exemption, the IRS requires you file a new W-4 each year.   

Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator  

The IRS has an online Tax Withholding Estimator to help you determine how much tax you need to have withheld. The calculator helps taxpayers estimate if the right amount is withheld from their income to cover their tax liability. The estimator uses a simple, six-step question-and-answer format using information like marital or filing status, income, withholding, adjustments, deductions and credits.   
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator 
  
DFAS customer service representatives cannot provide tax advice or recommendations about withholding. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions about your taxes.

Reminder – Retired Pay Taxation 
  
Military retired pay is paid for many different reasons under many different laws. There are differences in the types of pay a military retiree might receive and the tax laws that apply to them. Whether a portion or all of an individual’s military retired pay is subject to federal income taxes depends on his/her individual circumstances.  
 
A military retiree can either use myPay or send an IRS Form W-4 to alter the amount DFAS withholds for federal income taxes from their military retired pay. 
 
An individual’s choice to have no withholding for federal taxes does not impact whether the individual’s military retired pay is actually subject to federal income taxes. Ultimately, the IRS will determine the amount of taxes owed on the military retired pay. 
 
Please see our webpage regarding taxation of retired pay: https://www.dfas.mil/retpaytax