Military tax credits available, but are not always used

Published 6:00 am Sunday, November 10, 2013

As Veterans Day nears, the Minnesota Department of Revenue reminds members of the military that they may be eligible for hundreds of dollars in military-related tax benefits.

“Veterans Day is not only a reminder to all Minnesotans of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, but it is also a reminder to us here at the Minnesota Department of Revenue that we need to remain diligent in our efforts to bring awareness to the military credits and refunds available to service members,” said revenue commissioner Myron Frans. “The department takes pride in our efforts to reach out to service members, and we work closely with veterans groups to make sure our soldiers are getting every penny they are entitled to.”

The Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone is available to members of the military who have recently served in a designated combat zone or hazardous duty area. There is a credit of $120 for each month served.

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To claim the credit, members of the military should complete and file Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone, for the year(s) in which they served. The department will accept the combat zone service performed in 2013 Form M99 beginning in January 2014. The Form M99 is filed separately from Form M1, Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return.

Each year, thousands of Minnesota service members do not take advantage of the credits that are available to them and their families. For more information about military tax credits available, required documentation, forms and instructions, visit www.revenue.state.mn.us, call 651-556-4710, or email Military.Tax@state.mn.us.