House OKs Tax Benefits for U.S. Troops

WASHINGTON -- Troops battling in the Persian Gulf would get help with home sales, child care and travel expenses under a package of tax benefits passed 422-0 by the House on Thursday, according to The Associated Press.

Under the legislation the $6,000 burial benefit paid to families of soldiers lost in action would be tax-free.

Also reservists in training or called to active duty could recoup up to $1,500 in transportation costs related to overnight stays more than 100 miles from home. Military forces deployed away from home would be free from restrictions that require people to live in their homes for two of five years to qualify for a capital gains break.

The bill would also make the military's child care benefits tax free and allow families to use tax-free education savings accounts to pay tuition at military academies.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 03/20/03