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Widows Tax Repealed in Total

Three years ago, surviving spouses, veteran service organizations, and the entire military community were elated as the Widows Tax was repealed. 

Some had been involved in advocacy efforts for decades, making countless phone calls and contending with their fair share of dashed hopes. President Trump on Dec 20, 2019, signed the National Defense Authorization Act and with it came a phased-in repeal of the Survivor Benefit Plan-Dependency Indemnity Compensation (SBP-DIC) offset. 

In January 2023, the Widows Tax will be fully repealed, and surviving spouses will begin receiving 100% of both their SBP and DIC Benefits. 

State Tax Update

Governor Brian Kemp signed a law exempting up to $35,000 of military retirement income from state taxes for state residents under age 62. All residents are eligible for a $17,500 military retirement pay exemption, while those declaring Georgia-earned income up to $17, 500 can declare an additional amount equal to the income claimed.

Georgia residents ages 62 to 64 can claim a $35,000 exemption on any type of retirement income, while those over 65 can exempt $65,000. The law took effect in 2022.  The bill does not address survivor benefits and does not cover members of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service or NOAA. 

Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022

The bill's passage came as part of an effort from MOAA and more than 60 other veterans service organizations, alongside veterans and their families, other advocates and advocacy groups, and a bipartisan group of legislators from both chambers of Congress.

The website at VA.gov/PACT should serve as your first stop for detailed information on the law's benefits. This website includes:

• Answers to eligibility questions for Vietnam-era, Gulf War, and Post 9/11 veterans.
• Infomation on the VA claims process, including links to file a disability claim or apply for VA health care online.
• Details on new Agent Orange presumptive conditions and presumptive locations. 
• Veterans and survivors may call the VA at (800) 698-2411 for information.

The VA is encouraging all veterans and survivors to apply for their benefits immediately.