New York’s SHOCKING Tax Grab on Marine Family

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New York’s aggressive tax policy threatens federal protections for military families, leaving a veteran’s family on the brink.

Story Snapshot

New York levied a Marine family’s savings despite federal protections.
Federal laws like SCRA and MSRRA aim to protect military families from such state actions.
The case raises concerns about systemic failures in applying these protections.
Military families face ongoing challenges with state tax compliance.

Marine Family Faces Unlawful Tax Levy

In a startling case, the state of New York has levied the savings account of a Marine Corps family, despite the protections provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). Mrs. Ogasian, a Marine wife, claims that this action contradicts federal laws intended to shield military families from such state tax liabilities. The family’s legal domicile in New Hampshire, a no-income-tax state, further complicates the situation.

EXCLUSIVE: Marine Corps wife, mom blasts blue state for wrongful levy on savings: ‘Left us with pennies’ https://t.co/dtf2w8K2mD

— John Swain (@JohnSwa04150791) August 22, 2025

Federal Protections and State Compliance

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, enacted in 1940 and updated in 2003, offers legal and financial safeguards to active-duty military members. This includes relief from certain state taxes when their legal residence is elsewhere. Similarly, the MSRRA, passed in 2009, extends these protections to military spouses, allowing them to maintain their home state residency for tax purposes. However, as illustrated by the Ogasian case, inconsistent state application of these federal protections remains a significant issue.

Despite these laws, disputes over tax liabilities frequently arise due to the complex nature of residency and domicile rules for military families. New York, known for its rigorous tax enforcement, has been at the center of several such disputes, raising questions about its adherence to federal mandates.

Implications for Military Families

The Ogasian case underscores the financial vulnerabilities faced by military families due to aggressive state tax policies. The immediate impact includes financial strain on the Ogasian family, who are left with limited access to their savings. In the long term, this situation could lead to policy reforms aimed at ensuring better compliance with SCRA and MSRRA.

This case has sparked broader discussions about the need for clearer guidelines and enforcement mechanisms at both state and federal levels. Military advocacy groups continue to push for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents from affecting other families.

Potential Reforms and Advocacy

Legal experts and military advocacy groups emphasize the necessity for states to accurately implement federal protections. This case may serve as a catalyst for legislative reforms aimed at strengthening state compliance with SCRA and MSRRA. As the media spotlight intensifies, it is imperative for policymakers to address these systemic issues to protect the rights and financial stability of military families.