What you need to know

When you deploy to a hostile environment like Iraq, you are going to notice several changes in your military pay and your tax information, and you should receive briefings and information about these changes both before you deploy, as well as before you re-deploy.

For information about doing your taxes after deployment, you should see the tax assistant or your local base's JAG office for information and help.
 

Deployment Entitlements

The major changes in pay will occur in form of deployment entitlements. You will be drawing Hostile Fire Pay of $225 per month, as well as Family Separation Pay, if you have dependents (spouse and/or children), also $225 per month.
 

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

At the same time, you are getting a combat zone tax exclusion, or CZTE, and you will get an extension to file your taxes since you may be deployed overseas when it comes time to pay your taxes.

Please note that, once you return from theater, the combat zone tax exclusion usually equals a lot of issues getting your taxes filed correctly - if you require any help with this, you need to see your local JAG office to make sure that it is done correctly and that you end up with your correct tax refunds.
 

If your pay gets screwed up

All changes should take effect once you reach your deployment location in Iraq, and should stop when you return home. However, if you encounter any trouble either by not getting paid the additional amount of funds when you arrive in theater, or by continuing to get paid when you arrive back home, please try and contact finance as soon as possible to get this straightened out.

Remember, if they army overpays you when you return, they'll take it out of future paychecks as a lump sum to "make up" for their mistake. And yes, they will take it without warning - even if that leaves you with no money in your pocket!