Divesting from Genocide & US Militarism: “War Tax Resisters” Protest with Their Money
War tax resisters are taking to the streets to call for an end to genocide and endless war. They are divesting from the taxes that fund war and investing in people, planet, and justice.
In New York City a coalition of groups will gather outside the IRS offices at 290 Broadway (between Reade & Duane Streets, Manhattan) on Monday, April 15 at 12 Noon demanding NO TAXES FOR WAR & MILITARISM! https://nycwarresisters.org/demonstrations/
The US supports Israel with over $3 billion in military aid each year and has provided more military aid to Israel than any other country since the end of World War II. Since the beginning of 2022, the US has dedicated over $46 billion of military aid for war in Ukraine. Most of these funds will be used by the Department of Defense to replenish the military equipment and weapons that have been sent to Ukraine. Essentially, the funds are being used to purchase more military equipment and weapons from US weapons manufacturers.
The United States’ endless war on terror continues with drone warfare in Afghanistan. And the US continues its military presence outside its borders with over 800 military bases. In addition, the recently signed National Defense Authorization Act approved $886 billion in funding for fiscal year 2024.
Since US military spending only continues to increase with no end in sight, we are divesting from war by refusing to pay the federal tax dollars that fund it. Some will refuse all or a portion of their tax debt while others live below the taxable income level. We invite everyone to join us in this public campaign of civil disobedience to war and war funding.
Thousands of people across the United States—from Los Angeles to Manhattan—are protesting the US military budget on or around Tax Day (April 15). They will promote war tax resistance and highlight the deep flaws of our current budget.
The proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2025 continues to take our country in the wrong direction. The proposed budget would raise military spending to 45% of current federal spending with $2.52 trillion dedicated to past and present military expenses.
With the invasion of Gaza with US weapons, we have seen a historic increase in people calling our office, visiting our website, and attending war tax resistance trainings online and in person. We have also seen new groups form that are supportive of war tax resistance. The New York City protest is co-sponsored by NYC War Resisters League, Catholic Worker, Kairos Community, Pax Christi NYS, Brooklyn For Peace, World Can’t Wait, Veterans for Peace/Chapter 34, Manhattan Peace Action, Move the Money, Peace Action NYS, Peace Action Bay Ridge, NYC Metro Raging Grannies, Extinction Rebellion NYC, and the Granny Peace Brigade.
NYC War Resisters League (NYC WRL) is the local chapter of the 100-year-old secular pacifist organization, headquartered in New York City. Many members of NYC WRL refuse to pay some or all of any federal income taxes due to protest being forced to pay for weapons and war. They are also involved with the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) a coalition of local, regional, and national groups founded in 1983 providing information and support to people who are conscientious objectors to paying taxes for war.
