Hoo-ah: Income Tax Break for Soldiers Passes House

Oklahoma military members are one step closer to getting an income tax break thanks to state Rep. Fred Jordan.

House Bill 2706, by Jordan, would increase the income tax deduction for military income from $1,500 to $5,000 for all active, reserve, and National Guard service members.

With the new $5,000 exemption, Jordan said 75 percent of National Guard members and reservists will pay little to no state tax on their military income.

"These men and women's job is to serve and protect us
all," said Jordan, R-Jenks. "This bill is a small part of
the great thanks we want to show these brave men
and women for their selfless service during difficult
times. These individuals and their families live a life
of service and dedication to this country. They are
great Americans that all legislators can be proud to support."

Jordan, who served as a Captain in the Marine Corps,
filed legislation last year that exempted all military
income from the Oklahoma state income tax. The bill
passed the House but did not pass the Senate.

The Jenks Republican said this bill is an effort to
incrementally move toward a full tax deduction for
all military pay.

"Taking one step at a time will not burden the state
and allows us to ease into a full repeal while still
giving a helping hand to our military," said Jordan.

HB 2706 passed out of full House today and now heads
to the state Senate for a hearing.