What is BAS and who receives it?

• A. BAS is a non-taxable meals allowance; paid to service members not in government meals.
• B. BAS is a housing allowance paid to dependents.
• C. BAS is a travel stipend provided to all service members.
• D. BAS is a tax credit for civilian employees.

Answer: (A)

BAS stands for Basic Allowance for Subsistence. It is a non-taxable allowance that provides funds to cover meals when the military does not provide meals through government dining facilities. It goes to the service member, not to dependents or civilian employees, and is separate from other benefits like a housing allowance. If a service member is eating meals provided by the government, BAS is not payable.