Hey community, can anyone help me out here? I'm considering joining the Navy and just curious, do deployed military at sea get any form of tax extension? If anyone could clarify, I'd appreciate it so much.
Sure, I’d be happy to clarify this for you. The IRS has specific provisions for individuals who are serving in the military, called the "Combat Zone Tax Exclusion" policy. Under this, if you are serving in a combat zone, part or all of your combat pay is excluded from income for federal income tax purposes. Moreover, if you are serving in a combat zone or a contingency operation, or you are hospitalized as a result of injuries sustained while serving in either, you can get an automatic extension of time to file your income taxes.
For enlisted members, warrant officers, and commissioned warrant officers, the combat pay exclusion is applicable to all military pay earned while serving in a combat zone. For commissioned officers, the monthly exclusion is capped at the highest enlisted pay, plus any hostile fire or imminent danger pay.
Also, the deadline for filing taxes and making contributions to your IRA are extended for the period of your service in the combat zone, plus 180 days after the last day in a combat zone.
You might also want to keep in mind that many states also have tax provisions for residents serving in the military. Some waive state income taxes completely for military personnel, while others have partial exemptions. It’s best to check the policies specific to your state.
I hope this information helps you out!
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