by April Rowden
Air Force Personnel, Service and Manpower Public Affairs Office
10/6/2010 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Military spouses in states that collect state income taxes could be able to pocket a little more of their paycheck under an amendment that allows spouses to retain their legal residency in their home state.
A November 2009 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act included a provision that exempts military spouses who are living with their active-duty sponsor, under official military orders, from paying state income taxes on wages earned in that state, as long as that state is not the spouse's legal residence.
The requirements for legal residency are determined by each state. Spouses are encouraged to contact the nearest military legal office for more details and how to re-claim home state residency.
Spouses who qualify for the tax exempt status and have already filed their taxes may be eligible to file an amended state tax return for the refund. Taxpayers should speak with a tax professional to determine the requirements of the state in which they are currently living and working.
For more information, visit AFPC's personnel services website at https://gum.afpc.randolph.af.mil. Airmen may also call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
