Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption
Military pay exempt from Maine state income tax for residents stationed outside Maine.
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Tax Benefits — Maine
- Who it's for
- Active Duty
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- Maine
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption?
Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption is a Maine tax benefits benefit for active duty. Military pay exempt from Maine state income tax for residents stationed outside Maine.
Who qualifies
- Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
- Maine residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Maine resident service member who earned military compensation for service performed outside Maine pursuant to written military orders, where (1) the service is active-duty service in the active components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force and the permanent duty station during that service is located outside Maine; or (2) the service is active or reserve component (or Maine National Guard) service in support of a federal operational mission or a declared state or federal disaster response, when the orders are at federal direction or at the direction of the Governor of Maine. Per Maine Revenue Services, a "federal operational mission" is limited to activity in support of overseas deployment and excludes standard duty activity such as training and administrative activities.
What Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption covers
Coverage
Subtraction (deduction) of qualifying military compensation from income, to the extent included in federal adjusted gross income and to the extent otherwise subject to Maine income tax. The deduction is limited to that portion of the tax year during which you were a Maine resident. No dollar or percentage cap applies.
Important to know
Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 5122(2)(LL). Per the Maine Revenue Services worksheet, it applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
How to apply for Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption
How to apply
Claimed on Form 1040ME, Schedule 1, Line 2k (Income Modifications - Other Subtractions), reported via the Worksheet for Schedule 1, Line 2k, Line 2 ("Non-Maine active duty military pay").
Verified information & sources
Last verified: May 12, 2026
Official source: maine.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Frequently asked questions about Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption
Who qualifies for Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption?▾
How do I apply for Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption?▾
Where can I verify Active-Duty Pay Income Tax Exemption?▾
Other Maine Tax Benefits
Standard Veteran Property Tax Exemption
$6,000 reduction from assessed home value for wartime veterans age 62+, 100% disabled, or who became 100% disabled while serving.
~$120/year savings
Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption
100% of military retired pay is exempt from Maine state income tax.
Full retirement pay exemption
Survivor Benefit Plan Tax Exemption
SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities are not taxed by Maine.
Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Up to $50,000 exemption from home value for paraplegic veterans.
Up to $50,000 property tax exemption
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