Happy day after [tax day]! Did you all get your returns in on time? Personally, we’re thrilled that Virginia extends the deadline for the state income tax return to May 3rd, because this MSRRA stuff is proving to be complicated and frankly, we could use the extra weeks. If you find yourself in the same boat of resarching how the MSRRA applies to you and where to find the pertinent paperwork, make sure you check your state’s Department of Taxation website to get the particulars. Hopefully practice makes perfect and this will be a lot easier next year.
While we’re on the subject of military spouses, work and taxes, are you aware of a piece of legislation that was recently introduced by Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper? The Military Spouses Job Continuity Act would provide a tax credit up to $500 to eligible spouses who have to renew or transfer a professional license as a result of a PCS that takes their family across state lines. This could be a big boone to spouses who have to plan on shelling out hundreds of dollars out of pocket every time they move to maintain their currency. Make sure you keep an eye on this and double check to see if your congressmen have signed on as co-sponsors.
Just for fun…every week, I ask you all to let me know about the programs and resources that you’re hearing about. Believe it or not, some of you actually do. Thanks to one of my Twitter friends for letting me know that Dunkin Donuts has a Military Coffee Requests program where they take requests from (or on behalf of) troops stationed overseas. Each month, they pick 50 winners to receive a case of Dunkin Donuts coffee. How cool is that? I’m going to feel a lot less guilty everytime I stop by Dunkin Donuts for a cup of coffee (still amazed by how they always get the cream and sugar EXACTLY right every time) or by some DD coffee in the grocery store. Way to support the troops!
Another tremendous program that many of you are probably aware of, but may not have at the top of your mind is the NFL/eKnowledge program that provides free SAT/ACT test prep programs for eligible military families. The program has given out over $30 million worth of programs so far. It’s not limited to children either, so if you or someone you know needs the programs, check into it. For those of you who are thinking about taking the LSAT, they also have a test prep program for that. While not free, it’s offered at a significant discount. My source tells me that when it comes down to choosing which set to purchase, go with the first, less expensive ($124.95) option as it has been updated and the set now includes the book…because every little bit helps!