April is a very fun month: Temperatures are rising in most parts of the United States, people can get back outside, and schools are starting to wind down.

April is also the month of the federal and state income tax deadline of April 15, if you are still unaware (I hope that’s not you!).

If you are a military service member or military spouse, taxes can be very confusing. Military tax laws get increasingly complicated the longer you are in the service or part of a military family.

I am personally six moves removed from my home of record, so figuring out where I should pay taxes can get confusing every time I relocate. I am in no way a tax professional and will always recommend that people talk to one because each situation is uniquely different.

What is your state of residence? Where did you earn income? Where should you pay taxes on that income? Is any of your income tax-free? For those who bought property at a duty station and now rent it out because they moved, taxes can be even more complicated.

I recently came across this article published by MarketWatch on “5 tax land mines active-duty military must avoid.” Some I knew, while others I was unaware of until I read this piece by Anthony P. Curatola. Again, I am not a tax professional and if you have questions, you should work with someone whose job it is to decipher the tax code and see how it applies to you.

Related: Smart Tax Tips That Smart People Need to Know

Some of the points that Curatola makes can be applied to anyone filing taxes but may just come up more in military families. Others are specific to the military. For example, everyone can file for an extension if they need more time to get their documents together, but military members (and their spouses) who are assigned outside of the U.S. or Puerto Rico get an automatic extension of two months without needing to complete the form.

For those serving in a combat zone, there are other extension guidelines.

Curatola mentions that it involves a “complex calculation.” When I did some digging on the IRS website, I found the Extension of Deadlines-Combat Zone Service FAQ page. And yes, there are a lot of “in general” statements that I think make it a good idea to consult with a tax pro if you think these deadlines may apply.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: Veteran Unemployment Goes in Right Direction

Basically, if you are serving in a combat zone, you may get a filing extension, but the specific length of time will depend on when you entered that combat zone relative to tax day. There is also an impact to how much of your pay is taxed as well as what tax credits you may be able to receive if you are serving in a combat zone.

If you haven’t filed your taxes, make sure that you get everything in by April 15, perhaps with the help of a tax pro.

Katie Begley is an OpsLens contributor, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and a former surface warfare officer. In addition to being a military spouse, she is a freelance writer specializing in travel, education and parenting subjects. This OpsLens piece is used by permission.

Read more at OpsLens:
Be Careful What You Wish For … Felons Voting Republican?
The Killer Cop Narrative Is Dead
Continuity Is Essential for Military Children’s Education