Members of the armed forces are entitled to certain tax benefits
Members
of the military and their families often qualify for special tax
benefits. Here
are some examples:
-
Combat pay exclusion. If someone serves in a combat zone, part or all of their combat pay is tax-free.
-
Deadline extensions. Some members of the military – such as those who serve overseas – can postpone most tax deadlines.
-
Joint return signatures. Both spouses must normally sign a joint income tax return. However, if military service prevents that from happening, one spouse may be able to sign for the other or get a power of attorney.
- Reserve and National Guard travel. Members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces may be able to deduct their unreimbursed travel expenses on their return. In order to do so, they must travel more than 100 miles away from home in connection with their reserve duty.
-
ROTC allowances. Some amounts paid to ROTC students in advanced training are not taxable. This includes things like allowances for education and subsistence. On the other hand, active duty ROTC pay is taxable. This includes things like pay for summer advanced camp.
