NM encourages Native American vets to seek refunds

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – State officials say New Mexico has paid refunds of more than $825,000 to Native American veterans who had state income taxes wrongly withheld from their pay while serving on active duty in the military.

Taxation and Revenue Secretary Demesia Padilla said about 660 veterans have been reimbursed.

A 2008 law established a settlement fund to compensate American Indian veterans who paid state taxes when they were on active duty although they should have been exempt because their permanent residence was on tribal land.

The Legislature has allocated about $1.2 million for refunds.

Padilla encouraged Native American veterans to contact the state Department of Veterans' Services for more information A veteran's widow or dependents also can be eligible for the tax refund.