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Is combat zone pay taxable?

By Sarah Garza

Generally, any form of military pay earned while on deployment in a combat zone is excluded from federal income tax. Any form of pay earned while on deployment in a combat zone is excluded from federal income tax.

What is considered a combat zone for taxes?

The term “combat zone(s)” is a general term used on IRS.gov and includes all of the following hostile areas where military may serve: actual combat areas, direct combat support areas, and qualified hazardous duty areas.

Is Saudi Arabia a combat zone 2020?

Designated Combat Zones The Red Sea. The Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Oman. The total land areas of Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Is hazardous duty pay taxed?

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), hazard duty pay (HDP-P and HDP-L) is considered taxable income. These amounts will be included on the employee’s W-2.

How long do you need to be in a combat zone to get a combat patch?

30 days
The insignia is commonly called the combat patch; it is worn on the right sleeve of the uniform just below the American flag to signify the unit served under the United States. It is awarded to Soldiers who are deployed in combat zones for 30 days or more.

Is military hazard pay taxable?

In general, hazard pay that you receive from your employer is not exempted from income taxes. So, if you perform a dangerous job, you still must pay taxes on all your income. However, the tax code does make an exception for certain combat zone pay for military members.

What is tax free leave military?

CZTE leave for enlisted members is exempt from Federal income tax. All leave earned during a month in which a member serves for any period of time in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area is CZTE leave.

What are the tax exclusions for the combat zone?

Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE) Being assigned to or working in a combat zone triggers another tax advantage. Earnings received while in the combat zone are excluded from taxable income.

Can a spouse get a tax exclusion for combat service?

Both are Military and Served in a Combat Zone – Both may receive the tax exclusion for the months they were present in a combat zone. Both are Military and One Served in a Combat Zone – The spouse who served in a combat zone may receive the tax exclusion for the months they were present in the combat zone.

How much can you earn in a combat zone?

Military Compensation. Being assigned to or working in a combat zone triggers another tax advantage. Earnings received while in the combat zone are excluded from taxable income. This exclusion is unlimited for enlisted members and warrant officers and is limited to $7368.30 per month in 2009, for officers.

Are there any tax exclusions for military pay?

Provisions Excludable Income – You can exclude the following income related to military compensation: Basic Pay – All for every month you are present in a combat zone. Non-Excludable Taxes – Military pay for earned while in a combat zone is subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes and will appear on your W-2.