Question 1

What is included in military compensation?

Accepted Answer

Military compensation includes base pay (determined by rank and years of service), Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH, which varies by location), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS, a food allowance), and any special or incentive pays. BAH and BAS are tax-free.

Question 2

Why is military pay tax-free in a combat zone?

Accepted Answer

Under the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE), enlisted members and warrant officers have all military pay excluded from federal income tax while serving in a designated combat zone. Officers have base pay excluded up to the highest enlisted pay rate.

Question 3

How do I look up my BAH rate?

Accepted Answer

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) varies by duty station ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status. Look up your rate on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) BAH calculator at militarypay.defense.gov.

Military Pay Calculator

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