News release: Military service members: Have you claimed your 2015 military tax credit?

Military service members: Have you claimed your 2015 military tax credit?
Over 1,400 military service members still eligible to claim expiring 2015 tax credit

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding Minnesota service members to take advantage of a refundable military tax credit before it expires. More than 1,400 military service members are eligible for the credit but have not claimed it yet.

The Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone for service in 2015 will expire October 15, 2019, for most qualifying service members.

The 2015 credit is $120 per month or partial month served.

“This is an important tax benefit for our military service members who risked their lives serving our country overseas,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “We want to ensure that the state is doing everything we can to help them claim the expiring 2015 credit before the mid-October deadline.”

To qualify for the credit, service members must meet each requirement below:

• They were a Minnesota resident during the time of service
• They served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area during 2015
• They received combat pay that is exempt from federal and Minnesota income tax

Find more information on combat zone locations approved for tax benefits from the Internal Revenue Service.

To receive the credit, service members must send the following documents, postmarked by October 15, 2019:

• A completed 2015 Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone

• For active duty members: A copy of your Leave and Earnings Statement for each month of qualifying service
• For National Guard, reservists, and retired or discharged active duty members: A copy of your Form DD-214 for each period of qualifying service.

The department recently sent letters to more than 1,400 service members on how they may qualify for and claim the credit. Service members have already claimed more than $500,000 in refunds for the 2015 credit, with an average refund of $550. Tax credits for service in a combat zone are also available for 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Check out and share our video explaining who qualifies and how to claim the Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. For more information, visit the Military Service Members page on our website. You can also sign up for email updates by entering your email address and selecting “Military Information” under Individuals.

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