11 Sep Explaining “federal active duty status”

Q. What is meant by the term “federal active duty status” in terms of the new NJ $3,000 tax exemption for New Jersey residents who served honorably in the military? I served in the New Jersey Army National Guard for six years and received an honorable discharge. My duty consisted of six months of basic and advanced infantry training, five-and-a-half years of monthly drills and two weeks of annual summer camp. Would I qualify for the exemption if my unit was never activated?
— Proud to have served

A. It doesn’t seem as if you qualify.

That’s because it appears you were not “federalized,” and therefore are not considered a veteran, said Abby Rosen, a certified financial planner with RegentAtlantic in Morristown..

She provided this excerpt from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

“Active service in the National Guard or Reserve includes: » Active duty (Title 10) – full-time duty in the Armed Forces, such as unit deployment during war, including travel to and from such duty, except active duty for training, OR » Full-time National Guard duty (Title 32) – duty performed for which you are entitled to receive pay from the Federal government, such as responding to a national emergency or performing duties as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) member.”

Rosen said if you are uncertain if you ever served under a federal capacity, you may request records here.

Email your questions to .

This post was originally published in September 2017.