It allows military spouses to maintain legal residence in the state where they lived before a permanent change of station move with their active-duty service member. A second amendment to the SCRA provides additional protections and benefits to military spouses.

Do military spouses have to change residency?

Active duty service members are not required to change their state of legal residence with each move. Since 2009, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) allows military spouses to retain that state of legal residence when they move to a new state as the result of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

Do military personnel pay taxes?

In the military, the federal government generally only taxes base pay, and many states waive income taxes. Other military pay—things like housing allowances, combat pay or cost-of-living adjustments—isn’t taxed. You will still need to pay estimated taxes, but you’ll need to manage those payments yourself.

How do I change my state of residence to military?

It’s the place that they consider their permanent home. Depending on their service, and local policies, an active duty military member can change their legal residence by visiting their local base legal office and/or base finance office and completing a DD Form 2058, State of Legal Residence Certificate.

Do spouses qualify for SCRA?

Generally, SCRA protections cover both regular active-duty military members and Guard and Reserve members who’ve been activated under federal orders, and their spouses.

What do you need to know about the MSRRA?

The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act allows that choice to be made regardless of when they were married. The following conditions must be met to qualify under the MSRRA: The service member is stationed under military orders in a state that is not his/her resident state.

Where can I get legal help for MSRRA?

Access free legal assistance on your installation or call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. You may also live chat 24/7/365. Military OneSource can help with other questions about MSRRA, SCRA, or other residence, tax or voting issues. CONUS/International?

How does a military spouse qualify for MSRRA?

The following conditions must be met to qualify under the MSRRA: 1 The service member is stationed under military orders in a state that is not his/her resident state. 2 The spouse is in that state solely to live with the service member. 3 Both the service member and spouse have the same resident state.

What does the SCRA mean for military spouses?

But service members and their families move frequently. The SCRA allows active-duty military members to maintain their legal residence in the place they consider home. The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act allows military spouses to declare the same state of legal residency as their spouse.