NATIVE VETERAN NEWS

Kickoff at Shiprock Chapter House

(Hwy 64 past Hwy 491)

(SANTA FE, NM)—The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) and representatives from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue department will kick off the Native American Veterans’ Income Tax Settlement Fund on Thursday at the Shiprock Chapter House on at 10am.

The two departments along with the Department of Indian Affairs are teaming to administer the Native American Veterans’ Income Tax Settlement Fund to pay for these claims.

At the special workshop, Native American veterans will learn about how to file a claim with the state of New Mexico if they believe they had state income tax withheld from their military paychecks while they were domiciled on tribal land.

Claim forms can be found on the NMDVS website or can be picked up at selected NMDVS field offices. A copy of a separation document (DD-214 or similar document from the Department of Defense) must also be attached to the completed claim form, which can then be sent to the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.

The NMDVS will then verify if a form is accompanied by the separation document, and then send everything to the Department of Taxation and Revenue for processing and ultimate payment of refunds.

“The state of New Mexico wants to correct something for our Native American veterans,” said NMDVS Secretary John Garcia.  “We will help any veteran who had any state income tax withheld while they were on active-duty but exempt from this because they were living on tribal land.”

According to the findings by the NMDVS, there are more than 9,000 Native American veterans who may have had New Mexico income tax withheld from their military pay while they were living on tribal land here in New Mexico. Widows can also apply on behalf of their deceased veteran-spouse.

 “The only way we can verify if a veteran did indeed have their military salary taxed by the state of New Mexico is for that Native American veteran to fill out a claim,” said Secretary Garcia. “If you can’t find your separation papers, we will help you request a duplicate copy. But we can’t help you if you don’t first fill out that claim form.”

Claim forms along with an attached DD-214 or other separation papers can be mailed to:

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services

Alan Martinez/Deputy Secretary

PO Box 2324

Santa Fe, NM  87504-2324

All refunds will be paid by the Taxation and Revenue Department.  Once a form is initially sent to the NMDVS, expect up to 90-days for the process to be completed. All claims must be mailed. No emails or Fax’s will be accepted.