Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Buffalo, NY 2026
Calculate your military combat zone pay exclusion tax savings in Buffalo, New York. With New York's 10.9% state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.
New York Tax Context
No city income tax; high property taxes; Rust Belt revitalization
Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion Savings Calculator for Buffalo
Federal Savings
$1,100
22% bracket
New York State
$545
10.9% rate
Local Tax
$0
0% rate
Total Savings
$1,645
32.9% combined
At a 32.9% combined tax rate in Buffalo, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $329 in taxes.
Savings by Tax Bracket in Buffalo
Includes 10.9% New York state tax on top of federal savings.
Eligibility Requirements
Military personnel serving in designated combat zones
- 1Must serve in a combat zone designated by Executive Order
- 2Enlisted members: all compensation is tax-free
- 3Officers: exclusion capped at highest enlisted pay plus hostile fire pay
New York residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 10.9%.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- !Not extending filing deadlines for combat zone service
- !Forgetting that combat zone extends to qualifying hazardous duty areas
- !Missing the option to include combat pay for EITC calculation
- !Forgetting to claim the deduction on your New York state return (missing 10.9% additional savings)
Required Tax Forms
File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the military combat zone pay exclusion. New York may require additional state-specific forms.
Other Tax Deductions in Buffalo, NY
Tax Preparation Fees Deduction
Other
AMT Credit Carryforward
Other
Hobby Loss Rules & Deductions
Other
Federally Declared Disaster Loss
Other
Professional Gambler Business Deduction
Other
Innocent Spouse Relief
Other
Estimated Tax Penalty Waiver
Other
Mortgage Interest Deduction
Housing
Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Other New York Cities
New York City, NY
10.9% state + 3.876% local
New York, NY
6.85% state + 0.99% local
Oyster Bay, NY
6.85% state + 2.22% local
North Hempstead, NY
6.85% state + 2.52% local
Babylon, NY
6.85% state + 2.47% local
Yonkers, NY
10.9% state + 1.96% local
Rochester, NY
10.9% state tax
Huntington, NY
6.85% state + 1.25% local
Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Buffalo
Use our free tax calculators to optimize your entire tax return for New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save with the Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Buffalo, NY?
In Buffalo, New York, the military combat zone pay exclusion can save you an estimated $1,645 per year. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $545 in New York state tax savings. The national average savings is $8,000/year.
What is the New York state income tax rate for Buffalo residents?
New York has a 10.9% state income tax rate. Buffalo residents have no additional local income tax. No city income tax; high property taxes; Rust Belt revitalization
Who qualifies for the Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Buffalo?
Military personnel serving in designated combat zones. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Buffalo or elsewhere in the U.S., as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your savings amount will vary based on New York's 10.9% state tax rate.
What tax forms do I need to claim the Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in New York?
To claim the military combat zone pay exclusion, you need to file Form W-2 and Form 1040 with your federal return. New York residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return, which could provide an additional 10.9% savings. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.
Is the Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion better in Buffalo than in states without income tax?
Yes, Buffalo residents benefit more because New York's 10.9% state income tax means the deduction reduces both your federal AND state tax liability. In states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Nevada), this deduction only reduces federal taxes. Your combined rate of 32.9% means more savings per dollar deducted.
Related Calculators
Tax Preparation Fees Deduction in Buffalo
Avg savings: $400/year
AMT Credit Carryforward in Buffalo
Avg savings: $3,000/year
Hobby Loss Rules & Deductions in Buffalo
Avg savings: $0/year
Federally Declared Disaster Loss in Buffalo
Avg savings: $8,000/year
Professional Gambler Business Deduction in Buffalo
Avg savings: $5,000/year
Innocent Spouse Relief in Buffalo
Avg savings: $5,000/year