(a) In the case of an individual who is serving as a member of the armed forces of the United States or any auxiliary branch thereof, or the merchant marine, beyond the boundaries of the United States, the Franchise Tax Board shall automatically grant, without application being made therefor, an extension of time, free from interest and penalties, for filing the return (except income withheld at source), for payment of the tax (except income withheld at source), for taking any of the steps required by Sections 19041, 19045, 19306, 19324, and 19331, until 180 days after his or her return to the United States.

(b) “United States,” as used in subdivision (a), means the 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia.