The tax laws provide some special benefits for active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in combat zones.
For federal tax purposes, the U.S. Armed Forces includes commissioned officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel in all regular and reserve units under control of the Secretaries of the Defense, Army, Navy, and Air Force. The U.S. Armed Forces also includes the Coast Guard. The Public Health Service also can receive many of the same tax benefits.
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Tax Laws Affecting the Military
These tax laws provide some special benefits for active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in combat zones.
- First-Time Homebuyer Credit - There are special benefits for members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside the United States.
- Economic Stimulus Payments: Especially for Military Combat Personnel - Information on the economic stimulus payments for members of the military serving in a combat zone.
- 2008 New Law: Additional Military Families to Get Stimulus Payments This Fall
- Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Tax breaks related to military service
Combat Zones
- Questions & Answers on Combat Zone Tax Provisions - Military Pay Exclusions, Deadline Extensions and Miscellaneous Provisions for Qualifying Taxpayers; Employers.
- A Combat Zone E-mail Address for members of the Armed Forces or their families worldwide to alert the IRS that they are serving in a combat zone.
Publications
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Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide, addresses a wide range of issues that may affect members of the military:
- Online - browse the publication to find specific information;
- Portable Document Format (PDF) - download a copy to read later or print select pages;
- Hardcopy - order a paper copy by calling 1-800-829-3676.