At Ease Soldier: Extensions for Military Personnel
Military personnel, especially those in active combat zones, have several tax benefits available to them. One of the most important is the filing extension available for those on active duty overseas, which offers soldiers and their families some flexibility in filing and paying taxes during active service.
When a significant natural disaster hits – such as a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, flood, wildfire, blizzard, or the like – the IRS will extend upcoming federal tax deadlines for affected taxpayers if a federal disaster is declared. The extended due dates apply to most federal tax returns and payments, including those for income taxes (including estimated tax payments), payroll taxes, and excise taxes. If you’re impacted by a natural disaster, check our IRS Disaster Relief page to see if you qualify for an automatic tax filing or payment extension.
Key Takeaways
- US armed forces personnel who are serving in a combat zone or hazardous duty area outside their regular duty station while deployed overseas can defer filing and paying their taxes until 180 days after the end of their active service in the zone.
- The extensions also apply to spouses of active combat zone personnel who are filing jointly.
- Contingency operations, such as national emergencies, also qualify for this extension.
- If you’re an active member of the military assigned outside the United States or Puerto Rico, and are on assignment for the entire 24-hour period of the tax filing deadline, you are granted an automatic two-month filing extension.
Combat zone personnel
Military personnel, especially those in active combat zones, have several tax benefits available to them. One of the most important is the filing extension available for those on active duty overseas, which offers soldiers and their families some flexibility in filing and paying taxes during active service.
The IRS offers automatic extensions for some federal income tax deadlines and related actions to active duty US armed forces personnel who are serving in a combat zone or hazardous duty area outside their regular duty station while deployed overseas. Military personnel working in these combat zones can defer filing and paying their taxes until 180 days after the end of their active service in the zone.
- Those who have been hospitalized due to injury or disease from combat zone service, have up to 180 days after the last day of continuous hospitalization to file or pay.
- The extensions also apply to spouses of active combat zone personnel who are filing jointly.
- Contingency operations, such as national emergencies, also qualify for this extension.
Overseas personnel
If you are a member of the active military assigned outside of the United States or Puerto Rico, and are on assignment for the entire 24-hour period of the tax filing deadline, you are granted an automatic two-month filing extension.
- This is an extension to file, not to pay taxes. Any tax you owe is still due on April 15, 2025 or the next business day if the tax deadline falls on a holiday.
- You can also file for an extension to October 15, as can any US resident outside of the country, but this also doesn't apply to paying taxes, which are due on April 15, 2025.
TurboTax Tip:
In honor of our nation's military personnel, all enlisted active duty and reserve military can file free federal and state taxes with TurboTax Online using the TurboTax Military Discount.
Forms
Although extensions for combat zone soldiers and active military overseas are granted automatically, you're still required to submit certain documents and IRS forms, depending on which extension you're requesting.
- If you are filing for the two-month extension for active overseas personnel, you'll need to file a statement with your tax return proving that you were on active overseas duty during the entire tax filing deadline date.
- If you are claiming the 180-day filing and paying extension for combat zone personnel, you can either contact the IRS to let it know of your status at combatzone@irs.gov, call the IRS, or respond to a notice of action from them.
- To request a general 180-day filing extension for being out of the country, file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Tax Return, before the original due date of your return. If your spouse is serving in a combat zone or hazardous duty area, you can file an extension hat covers your joint tax return.
Other tax perks for military personnel
Military personnel may also have access to other tax benefits. There are several types of military compensation and other benefits that are not subject to federal income taxes, and some can be considered as earned income for tax credit and IRA contribution purposes. Some examples include:
- combat zone pay
- disability pay for active duty
- some moving expenses
- living allowances
Also, tax debt may be forgiven or refunded if a member of the military dies in a combat zone, or from terrorist activities or other military action. If you are in the military, consider reviewing the IRS tax booklet, "Armed Forces' Tax Guide," before filing your taxes.
Enlisted active duty and reserve military can enjoy TurboTax Online for free
In honor of our nation's military personnel, all enlisted active duty and reserve military can file free federal and state taxes with TurboTax Online using the TurboTax Military Discount. The #1 best-selling tax software, TurboTax easily handles military tax situations including:
- military and civilian income—including combat pay, BAS and BAH
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- completed a PCS—TurboTax will determine your state of residence
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