Programs / Spouse Careers & Licensure

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA)

Military spouses who move with the service member

MSRRA and later amendments let a military spouse keep a state of legal residence for tax and voting purposes when moving on the service member's orders. Spouses can choose the service member's state of legal residence, their own, or the new duty station state. This can avoid paying income tax in a high-tax state where you live only because of military orders.

How to use it

Tell your employer which state you are claiming (with a copy of orders and proof of residency) and confirm your choice with legal assistance or a MilTax consultant.

Go to the official source

Last checked 2026-10. Rules and amounts change; your installation's finance, transportation or family center office has the final word.

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