Tax preparation for military
Quick answer: Combat zone exclusions, state residency protections, and PCS rules give service members real advantages that generic software handles badly. We apply them correctly, including the spouse protections most preparers have never read.
State residency protections
Service members can often keep a home state regardless of where orders send them, and spouses have matching protections.
Combat zone pay
Excluded combat pay still counts for some credits when that helps you. The election is worth checking every year.
PCS moving expenses
Active-duty moves under orders remain deductible when unreimbursed, unlike civilian moves.
Deployment deadline extensions
Deployments extend filing and payment deadlines automatically. No penalties, no panic.
Reservist travel
Reserve duty more than 100 miles from home deducts travel without itemizing.
Veteran benefits
Disability compensation is not taxable income, and some retroactive determinations create refund claims for past years.
Educational overview, not tax advice. Every deduction here has rules and limits, and a real preparer reviews your actual situation before anything is filed.
My spouse and I claim different states. Is that allowed?
Federal law lets a military spouse elect the service member's state of residence for tax purposes. Picking the right combination can legally eliminate a state filing.
Is my combat pay taxed?
Enlisted combat zone pay is excluded from federal income tax, and you can still elect to count it for certain credits when that increases your refund. We run it both ways.
I just got a VA disability rating backdated two years. Now what?
Retroactive determinations can make previously taxed severance or retirement pay refundable. Amended returns for those years often return real money.