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New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 3:03:15 PM

Part of my military pay is active duty, and part are reserve. Not sure if I should check that the W-2 is active duty or not.

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10 Replies
New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:16 PM

If you received one Form W-2 from DFAS, part of which was for active duty and part for reserve duty, check that the W-2 was for active duty


Why? Because at least part of it was for active-duty. The program asks this question to prompt additional questions that might affect your tax situation. If they apply to your AD service (or don't), answer accordingly.

Returning Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:16 PM

I am in a similar situation: my single W-2 contains mostly reserve duty pay and some active duty pay. I am an Arizona resident, so only the reserve pay is taxable (AZDoR Pub 704, Q26). When I check that the W-2 is active pay (as advised above) in TurboTax, the Arizona form states I owe no taxes at all. This seems incorrect to me. Please advice.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:17 PM

Is the active-duty pay for training purposes (basic or advanced) or was it for Annual Training or statute active duty?

Returning Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:19 PM

It was a yearly Annual Training which lasted for 45 days and was considered active duty.

Returning Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:19 PM

@TurboTaxToddL Any luck in getting an answer? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:21 PM

That was a pretty long AT!
For retirement purposes, it does count as "active-duty" time, but AT is still considered reserve pay for tax purposes. You'd have to be mobilized or at least on extended active duty orders.

Returning Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:21 PM

@TurboTaxToddL Thank you for the information. If it helps for further clarification, I'm in a unique program where my medical education is paid for by the US Navy. This most likely accounts for the long AT period.

To confirm, I do not select "active duty military" for the "Do any of these uncommon situations apply to the W-2?" section. Is this correct?

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:23 PM

That would be correct. BTW, two of my children are Navy doctors, both at Walter Reed.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:24 PM

(well, one is in Iraq at present)

Returning Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:03:26 PM

@TurboTaxToddL Thank you for the information and I look forward to working with them soon!