2021 Military State by State Tax Guide

State Guidelines for Military (2021 values)

I have a LOT more good information for you in The Short Cheap Tax Book for the Military.

The information here is subject to change as states update their information.  I will update at least weekly until mid January, so please check back just before you file.  The primary purpose of this is discussing the taxation of active duty pay, but I have mentioned retired pay for some states when I found the answer easily, but just because I don't mention pensions doesn't really tell you anything.

States with changes for 2020: AZ (retire pay), NE (retire pay), UT (retire pay), NJ (again).

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA)

Most states have begun to treat this in a similar manner to each other. In general, the spouse of a service member has two choices for state of residency: the state they are stationed in, or the military member's state of residency. In order to claim the military members state, they must have established a domicile in that state at some time before moving to the current state. For those qualified to make the election to claim the military members state, it is important to weigh the benefits properly, for example, a spouse who works in SC married to a military resident of MI might assume that since MI does not tax the military member that they should choose this state. This would be wrong because MI will tax the non-military income of the spouse. SC is far more generous to the spouse of a service member stationed in SC. Expert assistance may be required making this determination. It can also be difficult to get the current state to stop withholding from the spouses wages. Each state Dept of Revenue has different procedures for handling this.

MAJOR UPDATE: Starting in 2018, spouses do NOT have to establish residency in order to claim the service member's state of residency!

An added twist to this is that some states, like Maine, New Jersey and New York, have a way for residents not living in the state to claim non-residency for tax purposes.  Our best minds conclude that this would allow a military spouse claiming one of these states as their state of residency could claim non-resident status and not have to pay taxes to the state.  This has not been fought or litigated to my knowledge, so it would be wise to be aware that some states might fight it.  My advice is always to go the aggressive route, but see what the difference is going the other way, and be prepared if the state fights this later.  I personally set aside the excess refund for three years, and then spend it :)

Residency

A military member normally retains residency in the state they resided in when they joined the military unless action is taken to change this. The W-2 can generally be relied upon as to the state of residence of the military member. The states in which a service member are stationed will not tax the members military income unless they are residents. They will tax any income earned from other employment or business activities conducted in the state by the member and their spouses (subject to the MSRRA discussed above.) The discussions below talk about the taxation of military income for residents of the respective state.

Filing Requirements:

Not having to file discussed below assumes there is no withholding from the given state. A member may file even if not required and should do so if they have withholding from the given state so they can get the money back. If a member would not be required to file except for the existence of withholding, they should adjust their state withholding through MyPay so no taxes are withheld from that state. They may also consider stopping withholding even if they are required to file, for states that do not tax their income (MI for example.) Many people do not file required tax returns when there is no refund or balance due. This could result in a letter from the state requesting a return but rarely any penalties – but there can be!

Death Benefits:

Many states exclude death benefits and military pay for service members killed in a combat zone or while on active duty. The specifics are not discussed here. Survivors of service members killed on active duty can obtain assistance for this from CACO personnel.

States with Blue names either require a tax return or other document to be filed by military residents, or a tax return should be prepared to determine if any refundable benefits are available from that state. 

Alabama:

Alabama treats military residents the same as all other residents.  Alabama does not tax military retirement.

Alaska:

Alaska does not have an income tax. Alaska Permanent Funds Dividends are taxable on the Federal Return.

Arizona:

Arizona does not tax active duty military pay, and does not require filing if the only AZ source income is active duty pay. Arizona stopped taxing military retirement starting in 2021.

Arkansas:

Beginning in 2014, Arkansas no longer taxes active duty military pay.  A tax return is still required. Arkansas does not tax military retirement.

California:

California does not tax military pay of CA residents stationed outside of the state of CA. They do tax military income of their residents when stationed in CA. They also treat military spouses generously, similar to SC. Form 540NR is used to account for this. You write “MPA” to the left of column A for non-resident military income and enter the military income in column B but exclude it from column E. California has been sending letters to military members who meet the requirements for not having to file a tax return claiming they are required to file them. These letters are wrong and easy to respond to. CA should know they are wrong but I guess they are desperate for money. Don't fall for it. There is a place for military to respond on the back of the response form. RESPOND!

Colorado:

Beginning in 2016, CO will not tax active military income of military members with a home of record of Colorado IF AND ONLY IF, their home of record was Colorado when they joined, they changed to another state during service, and then changed back to CO.  Otherwise, Colorado taxes military residents the same as other residents unless the member was stationed outside the US for >305 days in the year. Colorado taxes military retirement the same as other retirement, with a partial exemption that starts at age 55 and gets slightly bigger at age 65.

Connecticut:

Connecticut allows resident military personnel stationed outside of CT to be treated as non-residents for tax purposes. This can be confusing but the point is that they are still a resident, just not treated that way for tax purposes. In order to be treated as a non-resident they must meet all three of the following requirements: 1) Not maintain a permanent place of abode in CT for the entire year (a parents house is not a permanent place of abode.) 2) Maintain a permanent place of abode outside of CT for the entire year. 3) Spend no more than 30 days in CT for any reason during the year. If they meet these requirements they can file as a non-resident and exclude any military wages from gross income and need not file unless they have other CT source income.
Starting in 2015, military pensions are not taxed by CT.

Delaware:

DE taxes military residents the same as all other residents. Delaware has a small military retirement pay exemption that gets bigger at age 65.

Washington DC:

DC taxes resident military personnel the same as all other residents.

Florida:

Florida does not have an income tax.

Georgia:

GA taxes military residents the same as all other residents however Reserves or National Guard called to active duty for more than 90 days may be able to take a credit against their individual income tax based on their income from the National Guard or Reserves.

Hawaii:

Hawaii taxes military residents the same as all other residents except that they do not tax the first $6076 of reserve pay or HI national guard pay. Military retirement pay is not taxed in HI.

Idaho:

ID residents stationed in ID pay taxes on all military income; however, if the member was on active duty >120 days and stationed outside of Idaho they can exclude any military income earned while stationed outside of ID. If they are stationed outside of Idaho the entire year they do not need to file an ID tax return, however Idaho has a Grocery Credit that a military member is eligible for that is refundable so it is possible to get a refund from Idaho even though their was no tax withheld.  This makes Idaho one of the States that a military member should file even when not required to. Retirement is tax free when over 65 (and possibly younger under certain conditions).

Illinois:

IL does not tax military pay; however, the member must file a tax return if they file a Federal return. Military members with children who get Federal Earned Income Credit may get up to 18% of the Federal amount even if they have no taxes due to IL (this number varies year to year). Illinois does not tax military retirement.

Indiana:

Indiana taxes military income but allows a deduction of the first $5,000 of military income for the taxpayer and/or the spouse ($10,000 for military couple.) If a military member changes state of residency to another state they must submit the DD Form 2058 with the tax return for the year they changed state of residency.  If you were active military and you and your spouse did not live in Indiana the entire year you do not owe county tax.  Use "00" as your county.  If your spouse remained in Indiana you BOTH owe county tax to the county he/she lives in.  Don't try to take the real estate tax deduction on property that's not in Indiana. Indiana has a small deduction for military retirement.

Iowa:

IA does not tax military income and military income is not used in determining filing requirements (if the only significant sources of income are military income, a tax return is not required.) Starting in 2014, Iowa no longer taxes military retirement.

Kansas:

Kansas taxes military income but allows a deduction for recruitment, sign-up and retention bonuses paid that are included in Federal taxable income (if the bonus was tax free to federal do not deduct it from KS. Kansas starts with Federal AGI so it is already excluded.)  The subtraction is made on Adjustments line A21. Kansas does not tax military retirement pay.

Kentucky:

KY does not tax military income and does not require a tax return if the only KY source income is military pay. Kentucky has a large retirement exclusion that varies based on age and source.

Louisiana:

Louisiana requires a tax return from military personnel the same as any other resident; however, LA gives an exclusion of up to $30000 of military pay if the person has been on active duty outside of Louisiana for at least 120 days during the tax year. The subtraction is taken as a Schedule E subtraction, Code 10E, by entering military pay up to $30000 on the schedule. 

Maine:

Maine allows resident military personnel stationed outside of ME to be treated as non-residents for tax purposes. This can be confusing but the point is that they are still a resident, just not treated that way for tax purposes. In order to be treated as a non-resident they must meet all three of the following requirements: 1) Not maintain a permanent place of abode in ME for the entire year (a parents house is not a permanent place of abode.) 2) Maintain a permanent place of abode outside of ME for the entire year. 3) Spend no more than 30 days in ME for any reason during the year. If they meet these requirements they can file as a non-resident and exclude any military wages from gross income and need not file unless they have other ME source income. Maine calls this the General Safe Harbor Rule.  Maine no longer taxes military pensions as of 2016 but only that received by the service member. Ex-spouses receiving retirement pay based on the service member's time served must pay taxes on it.

Maryland:

Maryland taxes military residents just like other residents; however, they allow a subtraction for up to $15,000 of military pay earned outside of the U.S. (Military Overseas Income.) The deduction phases out dollar for dollar as ALL military income goes above $15,000 and there is no exclusion if the total military income exceeds $30,000. The subtraction is taken on Form 502SU and the Military Overseas Income Worksheet is used to calculate the deduction.  MD has county taxes you cannot avoid.  If you are stationed outside of MD and married to a non MD spouse, software makes it very difficult to allocate things properly.  You can exclude the non-MD income, but also need to pro-rate the deductions based on income - good luck with this - MD will catch you if you don't do it.

Massachusetts:

There are no special tax benefits for military, however, the Massachusetts Dept of Veterans Affairs will give a one time payment of $500 to any resident after they served at least 6 months active duty in the military. They also have a $1000 benefit for personnel who serve in Iraq or Afghanistan.

http://www.mass.gov/veterans/benefits-and-services/bonus/bonuses-only/
Massachusetts does not tax military retirement.

Michigan:

Michigan requires military members to file a tax return; however, they subtract active duty pay from income (Schedule 1, Line 11). Military members with children who receive Earned Income Credit on their Federal return may collect 6% of the federal amount, even if they pay no taxes to MI. (This was 20% for 2011 and prior years.)  Michigan does not tax military retirement.

Minnesota:

Minnesota subtracts Active Duty Military pay from income of MN residents. If Gross Income on Federal return other than military is less than $10,000, no MN return is required.

Minnesota does not tax military retirement.

Minnesota pays $120 per month a military resident spends in a combat zone. This is paid separately from the tax return and is claimed on Minnesota form M99

Mississippi:

Mississippi taxes military residents the same as other residents except that they do not tax National Guard and Reserve pay up to $15000. Mississippi does not tax military retirement.

Missouri:

MO allows resident military personnel stationed outside of MO to be treated as non-residents for tax purposes. This can be confusing but the point is that they are still a resident, just not treated that way for tax purposes. In order to be treated as a non-resident they must meet all three of the following requirements: 1) Not maintain a permanent place of abode in MO for the entire year (a parent's house is not a permanent place of abode.) 2) Maintain a permanent place of abode outside of MO for the entire year. 3) Spend no more than 30 days in MO for any reason during the year. If they meet these requirements they can file as a non-resident and exclude any military wages from gross income and need not file unless they have other MO source income. If your spouse works but claims MO as your state of residency through the MSRRA their income is taxable to MO and must file a tax return if they earn more than $1200. As of 2014, Missouri exempts 75% of military retirement income from tax and starting in 2016 all military retirement income will be tax exempt.  Starting in 2016, MO is allowing you to subtract your military pay, so you don't have to file as a non resident.

Montana: 

Montana requires military residents to file a tax return but exempts active military pay from taxation on Schedule 2, Line 8. Verification of active duty status must be attached to the return.  National Guard pay is tax exempt.

Nebraska:

Nebraska taxes military residents just like other residents. Nebraska will stop taxing military retirement starting in 2022.

Nevada:

Nevada does not have an income tax.

New Hampshire:

NH does not have an income tax but they do tax interest and dividends. Generally, these would need to exceed $2400 for an individual and $4800 for a couple.  New Hampshire has a $100 bonus for military members who get the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Not sure about expiration, but details are at: https://www.nh.gov/nhveterans/benefits/bonuses.htm

New Jersey:

2020 UPDATE: New Jersey just published a new GIT-7, which is their guide for Military Personnel and Their Families. This latest GIT directly contradicts previous guidance that a "permanent home" discussed below includes a house or apartment that you rent or pay for with military allowances or through the forfeiture of housing allowance (meaning base housing) this guidance basically said a permanent home was exactly what you would think it is, and just didn't include living in the barracks or on ship. The new GIT specifically says that living off base on a housing allowance or on base means you do not have a "permanent home" and thus remain a resident of New Jersey. Again, this directly contradicts recently updated instructions STILL PUBLISHED on the NJ website. I intend to continue following the website guidance until it is removed or revised, since the law has not changed and no technical bulletin has been issued on the subject.

2021 UPDATE: Once again, NJ has changed their GIT-7 and have possibly made it even more confusing. I believe their intent is to force you to use DD Form 2058 to formally change your residence, rather than allowing the exclusion discussed below. They make it clear that you have to take firm action to establish your intent to change your state of residency, including registering card, changing driver's license and registering to vote.

NJ allows resident military personnel stationed outside of NJ to be treated as non-residents for tax purposes. In order to be treated as a non-resident they must meet all three of the following requirements: 1) Not maintain a permanent place of abode in NJ for the entire year (a parent's house is not a permanent place of abode.) 2) Maintain a permanent home outside of NJ for the entire year. 3) Spend no more than 30 days in NJ for any reason during the year. If they meet these requirements they can file as a non-resident and exclude any military wages from gross income and need not file unless they have other NJ source income.(NJ does not consider barracks or the ship to be maintaining a permanent place of abode outside NJ)

New Jersey just passed a $3,000 exemption for honorably discharged Veterans which applies to tax years 2016 and beyond.

New Mexico:

New Mexico does not tax active duty military pay however; NM residents are required to file a NM return if they were required to file a Federal return.

New York:

NY allows resident military personnel stationed outside of NY to be treated as non-residents for tax purposes. This can be confusing but the point is that they are still a resident, just not treated that way for tax purposes. In order to be treated as a non-resident they must meet all three of the following requirements: 1) Not maintain a permanent place of abode in NY for the entire year (a parents house is not a permanent place of abode.) 2) Maintain a permanent place of abode outside of NY for the entire year. 3) Spend no more than 30 days in NY for any reason during the year. If they meet these requirements they can file as a non-resident and exclude any military wages from gross income and need not file unless they have other NY source income. NY specifically excludes barracks as an abode outside of NY for the purpose of this rule. Also, if a NY return is required to be filed to get back state taxes withheld and this exemption results in zero income (as it usually does) the return may have to be mailed in vice electronically filed.  NY does not tax military pensions.

North Carolina:

NC taxes military residents the same as other residents.

North Dakota:

ND taxes military residents the same as other residents, however, National Guard and reserve members called to active duty can exclude their active duty pay form ND income.

Ohio:

Ohio does not tax military pay of OH residents stationed outside of the state of OH. They do tax military income of their residents when stationed in OH. Ohio does not tax military retirement pay.  Ohio will give up to $1500 for military service ($500 for any service, $1000 for certain countries and $1500 for combat zones). Details here: https://veteransbonus.ohio.gov/odvs_web/

Oklahoma:

Oklahoma allows military members to exclude active duty pay. This exclusion is accomplished using Schedule 511-C. Military members are required to file an OK tax return if they were required to file a federal return.

Oregon:

Oregon allows a subtraction of all military pay earned while stationed outside of OR and up to $6000 earned while stationed in Oregon (Subtraction Code 319). OR also allows military residents to be treated as non residence if they spent less than 31 days in OR, did not have an abode in OR and had a permanent abode outside OR the entire year.

Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania does not tax Active Duty Military Income of residents stationed outside of PA and does not require a tax return; however, they do require the service member to mail or fax a copy of their orders stationing them outside of PA and their W-2. If filing a tax return a copy of the orders must be included when mailing the return, or sent separately to the address below.

PA DEPT OF REVENUE

NO PAYMENT OR NO REFUND

2 REVENUE PLACE

HARRISBURG PA 17129-0002
May also be faxed to: (717) 772-4193
Starting in 2016, PA exempts military pay from LOCAL taxes, regardless of where you are stationed.

Rhode Island:

Rhode Island taxes military residents the same as other residents.

South Carolina:

SC taxes military residents just like regular residents except that it does not tax reservist drill pay. SC is very generous to the spouses of military (residents of another state) in that they allow you to exclude the active duty income of the non-resident military member from the calculation of what percentage of deductions to allocate to the spouse. This generally results in 100% of the deductions against only the spouses SC income. It is very difficult to get tax software to handle this correctly. Line 1 of the SCNR should have no active duty military income in the Federal column. SC is phasing in a larger deduction for military retirees.

South Dakota:

SD does not have an income tax. SD will pay military members $500 for service after 9/11/2001. Details here: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/benefits/State/Veterans%20Bonus.aspx

Tennessee:

TN does not have an income tax but they do tax interest and dividends. Generally, these would need to exceed $1250 for an individual and $2500 for a couple.

Texas:

Texas does not have an income tax.

Utah:

Utah taxes resident service members the same as other residents.

Utah stopped taxing military retirement starting in 2021.

Vermont:

Vermont does not tax military pay of VT residents stationed outside of the state of VT. They do tax military income of their residents when stationed in VT. Military pay is subtracted on line 32. A tax return is not required if the only income is military pay while stationed outside VT. 

Virginia:
Virginia taxes military residents just like other residents except that they give a subtraction of basic military pay of up to $15000. The subtraction phases out dollar for dollar as income goes from $15000 to $30000 and is completely gone at $30000 of income. (If a military member made less than $15000, it would all be subtracted. If they made $20000, they get to subtract $10000.) The subtraction code is 38.

Washington:

Washington does not have an income tax.

West Virginia:

West Virginia taxes military residents unless they spent less than 30 days in WV. In this case they file as a non-resident. WV does not tax military income of reserves or national guard called to active duty by Executive Order of the President.  Starting in 2017, West Virginia no longer taxes Military Retirement pay. WV gives a bonus of $400 for military service ($600 for combat zones). Details here: https://veterans.wv.gov/Pages/VeteransBonus.aspx

Wisconsin:

Wisconsin taxes military residents the same as other residents except that they do not tax military pay of reserves or national guard called to active duty. Rent paid by the military member in a state other than WI is allowed to be used for the School Property Tax Credit (not military housing.) If a military member is stationed outside the United States, they may take a credit of up to $300 for pay received while stationed outside the U.S.  Wisconsin does not tax military retirement.

Wyoming:

WY does not have an income tax.

Feel free to send questions to Kirk at taxadvisor@email.com

I am available to prepare taxes via mail, e-mail, fax and online approval. No fees are charged until the return is complete and you are 100% satisfied. If the fees are too high, refund too low, or we determine that a cheaper filing method is appropriate, I will return all materials and charge no fees.

I will check any individual tax return from 2017, 2018, 2019 or 2020 for free. If I find an error, I will offer to fix it for a fee if desired

I have made every effort to ensure the above information is 100% accurate, but I am human and the various governments love to change the rules. If you think something is wrong please inform me via e-mail at taxadvisor@email.com