Category Archives: Legal Issues
DFAS explains civilian relocation tax changes
By Mary Davis, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Public Affairs SEMBACH KASERNE, Germany — The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December 2017 made the majority of government civilian employee relocation entitlements taxable, causing some concern and confusion over what elements would be taxed. The Defense Finance and Accounting…
Sell your car: A guide to POV disposal in USAG Bavaria
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria wants to help you, the community member, understand the proper process and procedures to dispose of your privately owned vehicles. To reduce the number of abandoned vehicles across USAG Bavaria, here’s how to conveniently and legally get rid of your POV.…
New guidance on taxable moving expenses for civilians
Courtesy Story by 21st Theater Sustainment Command KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Additional information on the taxation of moving expenses for civilian employees is now available that changes guidance issued last year. As previously reported, many moving benefits paid or reimbursed by an employer are now taxable to the relocating…
Tips for parents: Talk to your child about social media
StopBullying.gov news release Parents create trust with children by initiating open, honest discussions. These dialogues are an opportunity to communicate values and expectations about your family’s appropriate digital behavior, including viewing or sharing content, and apps they can and cannot use. Check in frequently with your children about their…
Official and tourist passports: Why the difference matters
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — A small, tightly-wound book with pages primed for international stamps and the promise of adventure, the passport is perhaps the single most important object for smooth and lawful travel across borders. Two types of passports are important for DOD personnel and families stationed in Germany:…
Expect longer wait times for birth abroad no-fee passports
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Expect longer processing times for no-fee passports processed with Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, according to the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Passport Office. The USAG Bavaria Passport Office reports that the State Department has changed the issuance facility for no-fee passports for newborns. Due…
Exchange partners with H&R Block offering tax preparation service
AAFES news release GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — U.S. Army Europe tax centers will re-prioritize services in 2019 and focus assistance on those that generally make less than $54,000 per year, in accordance with Army regulations and IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance guidelines. To help service members and their…
With tax center services limited, you have options at USAG Bavaria
7th Army Training Command Legal Office news release GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The 7th Army Training Command’s legal office will again provide free tax services to all eligible Soldiers, dependents, retirees and Army civilians. Standing tax centers will be available at Grafenwhoer, Ansbach and Hohenfels. Offices open Jan.…
Recent changes to the UCMJ could affect you
By Sgt. LaShic Patterson, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs VILSECK, Germany – On Jan. 1, 2019, the military will see one of the most comprehensive changes created in decades to the Uniform Code of Military Justice through the Military Justice Act of 2016. The MJA…
Flying a recreational drone in Germany
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — There are several laws and regulations you need to follow if you want to fly your own drone in Germany. The German drone rules are regulated by the “Bundesministerium fuer Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur” and by the “Deutsche Flugsicherung,” the German version of the Federal…