CLEVELAND — Paydays for military retirees and those who receive portions of retired pay are changing for September and December as the Defense Finance and Accounting Service changes its pay schedule to comply with the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act.
The 2011 NDAA requires military retiree pay to be processed on the first day of the month. When that day falls on a weekend or national holiday, the pay date is moved to the previous business day.
This year, payments normally scheduled for Oct. 3 will be issued Sept. 30, and payments normally scheduled for Jan. 3 will be issued Dec. 30. For the 2011 calendar year, military retirees will receive 13 payments rather than the usual 12.
The 13th payday on Dec. 30 falls within the 2011 tax year, which could affect the tax liability of some retirees and those who receive portions of their retired pay. Customers should speak with a tax advisor, the Internal Revenue Service or their state tax authority to determine if their tax withholding will satisfy federal and state income taxes when they file returns next year. DFAS cannot provide tax advice.
For tax year 2012 and beyond, retirees will receive their normal 12 payments.
This change affects regular retired pay, concurrent retirement and disability pay, and combat-related special compensation. The new rule also applies to retiree allotments, garnishments and court-ordered former spouse and child support payments. It does not affect annuity payments.
If retirees need to make changes to their federal or state tax withholding, the quickest and most secure way to do so is through myPay. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, myPay enables eligible users around the world to make routine changes to their pay information, including tax withholding, that become effective within days.
Customers who cannot access myPay can change federal withholding amounts by completing a new IRS form W-4 or W-4P, or change state withholding amounts using a DD 2866. These forms can be found on the DFAS website, www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/forms.html, and once completed should be faxed to 800-469-6559 or mailed to the following address:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service U.S. Military Retired Pay, P.O. Box, 7130 London, Ky., 40742-7130.
It may take up to 30 days for changes to be made when mailing a paper form.