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| Tax Day Draws Near: Information for our military personnel who are serving in a ‘combat zone.’ |
April 10, 2003 |
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By Michael Wich
Michael Wich is a member of Heather`s staff who helps New Mexicans sort out red tape.
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The clock is ticking and April 15th is near. It`s that time of year, when taxes are due, both to the Federal government and to the state of New Mexico. If you haven`t finished sorting through your 10-40`s, W-2`s, 1099`s, WD-40`s, or whatever IRS forms your situation calls for, the ticking of the clock can be deafening.
Many find the tax forms intimidating, and are concerned that errors could result in penalties or even an audit.
This year, some New Mexicans may face another tax-related challenge: some of our citizens are serving overseas in the armed forces in combat zones, with the April 15 deadline rapidly approaching. These individuals may feel anxious that they will not be able to find the means to fill out their taxes on time.
These brave New Mexicans might be concerned that they will need an extension, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they will not be able to apply for one. They are worried about the punitive tactics of the IRS, and what that may mean for their, and their families’ financial stability. I have found information that I would like to pass on to you regarding the IRS’s policies toward individuals serving in the armed services.
TAX HELP FOR MILITARY MEMBERS IN COMBAT ZONES
According to the Federal Internal Revenue Service Website, extensions are automatically granted to those who are serving in recognized combat zones. These recognized Combat Zones include the following:
The Persian Gulf
The Red Sea
The Gulf of Oman
The Arabian Sea (North of 10 Degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude)
The Gulf of Aden
The land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Kosovo
Afghanistan
Yugoslavia
Pakistan, Tajikistan and Jordan
Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Philippines
Yemen
Djibouti
The length of extensions are as follows:
Armed Forces personnel who are assigned to combat zones are given 180 days following their last day in a combat zone or 180 days from the last day of continuous qualified hospitalization for injuries sustained for service to file returns or to make payments to the IRS. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, following the guidelines in New Mexico Senate Bill 933, will give one-year to file following active duty or being deployed.
For additional information about tax extensions or other tax issues, you may go to the Internal Revenue Service Website.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,id=97273,00.html
If you need help sorting out an issue with the IRS, or any other federal agency, please feel free to contact Representative Wilson`s Albuquerque staff at 505-346-6781. We`re here to help. |
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