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• • Joint tax returns generally must be signed by both spouses. But, when one spouse is unavailable due to military duty, you may use a power of attorney to file a joint return.
• • If you're an armed forces reserves member, you can deduct unreimbursed travel expenses for travel more than 100 miles from home to perform reserve duties.
• • As you transition to civilian life, you may be able to deduct certain job-hunting costs.
• • Most military installations offer free tax-filing and preparation assistance during and/or after tax filing season.
• • The IRS's Armed Forces' Tax Guide provides an excellent summary of many important military-related tax topics (www.irs.gov).
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• A few suggestions and precautions for military families facing financial challenges:
• • Each base command offers free financial specialists to discuss personal finances and help with budgeting; many banks and credit unions also offer these services.
• • Each military branch has a relief society and many grant emergency loans. Turn to them first before taking out a payday loan.
• • Check-cashing outlets, pawn shops and other lenders are prohibited from charging more than 36 percent interest to military families for payday loans.
• • If you do go off-base for financial assistance, you're responsible for disclosing

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