The Armed Forces Tax Council has advised that service
members in a combat zone during tax season get an
automatic extension to file their taxes. They have six
months to file from the time they leave the combat
zone. Members stationed elsewhere overseas have a
two-month extension to file. Returns filed through
an installation tax center are sent electronically,
so filers should receive their refunds within seven
to 10 days. Members also can get online help with
their taxes. For example, the IRS provides a Free
File service on its Web site, www.irs.gov. The site
also lists several tax preparation services, many of
which provide free service to military members.
