Combat-Injured Veterans severance tax refund

Print-and-take checklist. Tick each box as you go, and keep it with your paperwork.

• Confirmed my severance was a one-time lump-sum DoD disability severance payment, combat-related, paid after 1/17/1991 and before 1/1/2017, and taxed on my original return
• Searched my files for the July 2018 IRS Letter 6060-A or 6060-D from DoD/IRS
• If no letter: called DFAS (800-321-1080) or pulled my DD Form 214 for severance-payment proof
• If no letter: pulled my VA determination letter at va.gov for the combat-related proof
• Decided standard refund amount ($1,750 / $2,400 / $3,200 by year) or actual computed amount
• Filled out Form 1040-X for the correct tax year, wrote "Veteran Disability Severance" or "St. Clair Claim" at the top
• Entered the refund amount on line 15 column B and line 22 (standard method) or completed full computation (actual method)
• Attached my DoD letter or replacement documentation
• Mailed to IRS, 333 W. Pershing Street, Stop 6503, P5, Kansas City, MO 64108 (paper only, no e-file)
• Noted my deadline (later of: 1 year from letter date, 3 years from original due date, or 2 years from date tax was paid)
• Confirmed this is NOT my situation if it's actually a VA rating-increase / retired-pay case, and switched to that process instead
• Set a reminder to check status at irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return in about 3 weeks

Full step-by-step guide: ratednowwhat.com/benefits-by-rating#h2_5741b206

Education only. Not the VA, not a government agency, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer.