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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 3:05:51 PM

How do you account for civilian pay while deployed in a combat zone. My husband is a reservist. He was activated for a few months and his civilian employer also paid him. Those months should also be t

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1 Best answer
New Member
Jun 5, 2019 3:05:52 PM

Only his military pay qualifies for the combat zone exclusion. 

Any civilian pay he received while in a combat zone is taxable. It should be reported on a Form W-2 and entered in the Form W-2 interview.

Combat Zone Tax Exclusions

Enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned warrant officers can exclude the following from their income:

  • Active duty pay earned in any month you served in a combat zone
  • Imminent danger/hostile fire pay
  • A reenlistment bonus if you reenlisted in a month you served in a combat zone
  • Pay for selling back leave in any month you served in a combat zone

1 Replies
New Member
Jun 5, 2019 3:05:52 PM

Only his military pay qualifies for the combat zone exclusion. 

Any civilian pay he received while in a combat zone is taxable. It should be reported on a Form W-2 and entered in the Form W-2 interview.

Combat Zone Tax Exclusions

Enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned warrant officers can exclude the following from their income:

  • Active duty pay earned in any month you served in a combat zone
  • Imminent danger/hostile fire pay
  • A reenlistment bonus if you reenlisted in a month you served in a combat zone
  • Pay for selling back leave in any month you served in a combat zone