As a USPHS officer on active duty I am not a member of the armed forces. Will I be missing out on potential qualifying tax benefits as a member of uniformed services?

IRS states as a member of the uniformed services, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, we may qualify for military tax benefits. Turbo tax only asks if one is a member of the armed forces which we are not armed service members but active duty uniformed service members.

2166

New Member

Jun 1, 2019 8:46:06 AM

No, the tax benefits are for members of the armed forces.

Level 1

Dec 19, 2019 11:27:14 PM

Good Question.

The Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act of 2003 applies to active duty USPHS officers.

Also, your active duty pay is likely taxed based on your state of legal residence, which may not be where you are geographically serving similar to Armed Forces. E.g., serving in Maryland but taxed under South Dakota if SD is your state of legal residence.

I hope TurboTax is able to weigh in on this. Seems like something they missed.

Expert Alumni

Dec 20, 2019 4:02:33 AM

You may be eligible for military tax benefits. You will need to contact your human resources department to help you determine what you may or may not be eligible for.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/military/eligibility-for-military-tax-benefits

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As a USPHS officer on active duty I am not a member of the armed forces. Will I be missing out on potential qualifying tax benefits as a member of uniformed services?