Does anyone else agree that an American Soldier serving in the military should not have to pay income tax?

Question

I never understood why I got charged tax when I worked to protect my country. What do you think?

Answer 1

I have been pressing that very issue with members of the Congress for the past twenty years. Most Americans don't realize that members of the armed forces on active duty did not start paying Federal Income Tax until the mid to late 1950s. Perhaps the stupidest response I got to my proposal was from one of the Senators from my State over ten years ago. He liked the idea but didn't want to set a precedent for "Federal workers". He's now the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate: Harry Reid.

Answer 2

This is an idea that has been floated about througout the years. It is an interesting one...basically, the military works and pays taxes, thus paying ourselves! Kind of strange. It has also been suggested as a way to help improve retention and increase pay without have to approve pay hikes. Some military pay or benefits are already non-taxable. Any pay earned while deployed in support of the current actions in Iraq are non-taxable. Housing allowances (or the equivelant costs if living in base housing) are no longer taxable...that only changed less than 10 years ago. Some specialty pay is non-taxable. Otherwise, we all pay the same as anyone else in our tax bracket. Do I think military should have to pay federal taxes...that is tough. I tend to support taxes in general because it is the only way to currently pay for things like health care initiaves, school systems, police and fire support. Stop paying federal taxes and at some point local services will take the hit to make up for it. Taking our taxes out of the pot would only hurt military families in the long run. I do think there should be some tax credits available for active duty members.

Answer 3

When in a combat zone you don't pay taxes; when not you do and the point could be made that you aren't really working at protecting the country if you aren't in combat. If the thinking is "You work for the government so if you pay taxes you are really paying yourself"; then no government employee would want to pay taxes.
Yes I spent 20 years in the service ad except for Vietnam paid taxes when I made enough to do so. The pay scale has changed rather drastically since the draft ended and we went all volunteer; inflation is part of it and part is that you didn't have to pay someone much when the had no choice but serve or go to jail/leave the country as a fugitive. No-I am not saying the military is over paid so don't start that; but they are paid a good wage especially when benefits are counted into it.
BTW-The Department of Defense gets not get close to 51% of the tax dollar; the highest dollar value of funding goes to the Department of Health and Human Services and no that does not include social security which is a seperate tax and not included in the budget; the DOD is second and has been for many, many years.

Answer 4

You pay an income tax but don't pay sales tax when you purchase items from the commissary or PX or BX.

I will say there should be a reduced amount of income tax military personnel pay. I would also say that any military personnel serving in a combat capacity should, during that deployment, be subject to no income tax at all.

Answer 5

In my point of view an american soldier chooses to be there as a career unless he/she is drafted. They have great benefits like any other job and they can even retire with only 20 years of service. Doesn't it sound great that you can retire before 40 if you enlisted at 18?

The problem with this job is the risk if we are at war, which we are...

As any other person in the country that earns an income soldiers should also contribute not only with their service but with taxes.

Ah...forgot that they have living expenses paid, grocerie stores that are cheaper than regular stores, etc...

You can't not have all for free my man!

Answer 6

I agree in that, being a citizen of this country, you should have to pay taxes.

I disagree in that, inasmuch as you're serving your country, and to so many "loyal, red-white-and-blue-blooded, American patriots" see paying taxes and voting as sufficient service to their country, it seems that those who serve in the military are serving twice. As one poster pointed out, it's our choice, but I still agree on that point.

One poster said somebody has to pay for your bullets. To that poster, I would put the question, how about the rest of their equipment... like planes and ships? He must have just posted for the points.

Answer 7

How does this make sense: your country is important enough to protect but not important enough to help pay for? Military members who are actively deployed in approved combat zones do get money earned in that month tax free which is fine. But as I believe in the system of government we have enough to let them borrow my most valuable husband I also feel that I should believe in it enough to pay my share.

Answer 8

I agree completely, but had to pay anyway except for my 7 tours in a combat zone. That is the only time your pay is tax free.

Answer 9

I agree i also got charged for serving my country at least we should only have to pay half.But like all US citizens we all have to pay the ridiculous taxes

Answer 10

To every one posting that the DOD get 51% of tax dollars I want to see your sources. Cause I know that is not true.