Depr of Revenue highlights tax benefits available to military members

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- May is National Military Appreciation Month and the Minnesota Department of Revenue reminds members of the military and their families about the many valuable state tax benefits available to them.

“Minnesota offers military service members – past and present – tax benefits as a way to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made. We want to make sure military members and veterans have all the information they need to claim the credits that are available to them and their families,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly.

The department has a dedicated webpage for members of the military. This is a centralized spot for members of the military to learn about military tax benefits and find information on claiming the credits they are entitled to:

• New in 2016 - Military Pension Subtraction. Certain military retirement pay (including pensions) can be subtracted from your Minnesota taxable income.
  
• Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. You may qualify for this credit if you served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area on or after January 1, 2013.
  
• Credit for Past Military Service. If you are a veteran of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserves, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $750 for your past service.
  
• Active-Duty Military Pay Subtraction. Members of the military who are Minnesota residents may subtract federally taxable active-duty military pay when determining their Minnesota tax.
  
• Filing Extensions. If you are serving in the U.S. military and cannot file or pay your Minnesota income tax by the due date, you may be eligible for an extension.
  
• Market Value Exclusion on Homesteads of Disabled Veterans. If you are an honorably discharged veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or higher, you may qualify for a property tax exclusion on your homestead.

You can check out our military tax tips video and sign up for our email subscription service to receive up-to-date military information.

If you have questions, contact us by email at individual.incometax@state.mn.us or phone at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 (toll-free).   

Diana Ross headlines PACER Center’s May 3 benefit in Minneapolis

Minneapolis: Diana Ross, one of the most remarkable entertainers of all time, is bringing her legendary sound to PACER’s Annual Benefit on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tickets are available now for her performance.

As the lead singer of The Supremes, Ross helped shape the sound of popular music, achieving the unprecedented feat of 12 number one singles, and making The Supremes the most successful American group of all time. Ross, whose musical repertoire includes R&B, soul, pop, disco, and jazz, earned six number one singles and 31 top ten hits as a solo artist, and has sold more than 100 million albums. She is also an Oscar-nominated actress and winner of both Golden Globe and Tony Awards.

Benefit tickets start at $70 and include Ross’ performance plus silent and live auctions. A post-concert patron party is included with tickets valued at $150 or greater. To reserve tickets, visit PACER.org or call (952) 838-9000. The Benefit supports free PACER Center programs for children with disabilities and their families as well as PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Tip A Cop” to benefit Special Olympics North Dakota set for Sept. 24 and 25

(Grand Forks, ND) – Law enforcement personnel across the state are asking for your tips— but it has nothing to do with crime and everything to do with serving the public.

On Sept. 24 and 25, from 5-9 p.m., more than 100 law enforcement personnel will volunteer their time hosting in Applebee‘s Neighborhood Grill and Bars across the state to raise awareness and tip money for Special Olympics.  This is the 7^th annual event for the Law Enforcement Torch Run group, which consists of volunteers from all agencies of law enforcement.  The Law Enforcement Torch Run program is the largest public awareness and fundraising program for Special Olympics throughout the world.

The event will take place during the dinner shifts from 5-9 p.m. at eleven Applebee‘s restaurants in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot and Williston.  "We want to be a good neighbor in all of our North Dakota communities and with the support of the area law enforcement, we can provide a purposeful fundraiser for Special Olympics North Dakota," said Myron Thompson, chief executive officer of Apple Core Enterprises, the management corporation for all North Dakota‘s Applebee‘s locations.

“We‘re thrilled to have Applebee‘s and the Law Enforcement communities team up to support Special Olympics and programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Kathleen Meagher, President/CEO of Special Olympics North Dakota.  “Through their involvement, the law enforcement volunteers embrace the idea that people with intellectual disabilities can be respected, valued and contributing members of society. With Applebee’s Tip a Cop program, they share this ideal and raise funds to support on-going opportunities for those who participate in Special Olympics.”

In 2012, the event generated more than $14,500 and the group hopes to exceed that with this year‘s repeat event.

Special Olympics North Dakota provides programs for 1,400 North Dakota children and adults with intellectual disabilities to enable them to become a more accepted and integral part of the communities in which they reside.  The programs that are offered by Special Olympics increase inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into the community by breaking down barriers that have historically kept these people separate.

Ellie Bekkerus Benefit

A Spaghetti Supper/Silent Auction/Family Dance Benefit for Ellie Bekkerus will be held on Friday, July 22nd at the Twin Valley Community Center. The Supper is from 5pm-8pm, Silent Auction from 5pm-7pm and Dance from 8pm-11pm.

Ellie is the daughter of Paul & Kaylie (Bueng) Bekkerus. She was born with a genetic condition called Turner's Syndrome. Turner’s Syndrome affects 1 in 2,000 females and requires careful medical management due to the multiple associated symptoms. Primary manifestations are short stature and premature ovarian failure. Other health risks include heart and kidney abnormalities, Eye and hearing problems, edema of her hands & feet, impaired thyroid function, need for growth -promoting therapy, and estrogen therapy.

Ellie had surgery to remove her ovaries on June 15th, 2011 in Sioux Falls, SD, due to risk of ovarian cancer. She also has two heart defects, for which she will require surgery at a later date.

To learn more visit: Turner Syndrome Society of the United States.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliebekkerus/

Please contact Crystal Stene (218) 356-8665 or Ashley Abraham at (701) 318-0843 to make silent auction donations or if you’d like to help!

Monetary donations can be mailed to: Bank of the West, Ellie Bekkerus Benefit Fund, 412 East Main Street, Ada, MN 56510 or can be deposited at any Bank of the West location.

Supplemental funds have been applied for through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans