Desert Shield Troops Have Tax Filing Extension

WASHINGTON - Military personnel assigned to Operation Desert Shield in the Mideast will have at least until June 15, 1991, to file and pay any balance of tax shown on their 1990 tax returns.

The June 15 extension applies to regular military personnel and reservists who are stationed overseas on the normal April 15 tax filing deadline.

However, like most taxpayers, these military personnel will probably be due tax refunds and will want to get their refunds as soon as possible. Last year 70 percent of the 113 million individual tax returns resulted in refunds. The IRS said it is working closely with the Department of Defense to expand assistance for military personnel so that returns can be processed and refunds issued as quickly as possible.

Taxpayers overseas are usually required to file a form to request additional time to file beyond the June 15 extended filing date. If conditions warrant, the IRS Commissioner will exercise his authority to automatically extend the filing and payment periods beyond June 15.

While payment of any tax due may be extended, interest will apply on tax not paid by the normal April 15 deadline. Current law does not permit the IRS to waive this requirement.

Today's announcement elaborates on the questions and answers issued on Nov. 21, 1990 and is part of the IRS' continuing effort to provide guidance on federal tax issues to people directly affected by events in the Mideast. As other questions and issues arise involving taxpayers in the Mideast or their families, the IRS said it will issue additional guidance.

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