Servicemembers and spouses keep home-of-record state tax residency regardless of duty station — pick a no-income-tax state.
SCRA lets active-duty servicemembers maintain their home-of-record state (SLR) for tax purposes regardless of duty station. MSRRA (expanded 2018+) extends this to spouses — spouse can elect servicemember's SLR even if never lived there. Result: establish SLR in FL, TX, WA, TN, NV, WY, SD, AK, or NH (no state income tax on wages) at first duty station and enjoy tax-free wages for entire career. Vehicle registration and voting also follow SLR.
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Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps ALL pre-service debt (mortgage, credit card, student loan, auto) at 6% during active duty.
Vets keep second-tier entitlement to buy another home with 0% down before selling the first — house-hack indefinitely.
Combat pay is federal tax-free — contribute up to $70K to TSP as tax-free traditional, withdraws tax-free as Roth conversion.
The TSP G Fund pays intermediate-Treasury rates with the price stability of a money market — no civilian equivalent.
100% P&T disability triggers state property tax exemptions, federal income tax exclusions, and dependent education benefits.
Servicemembers with 6+ years service can transfer up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouse/kids.
Deployed servicemembers can deposit up to $10,000 in SDP and earn a guaranteed 10% APR — the best fixed rate in America.
Combat-Related Special Compensation restores tax-free VA disability payments offset from military retired pay.