Tax Resistance Gains Traction Amid Protests and War Concerns
Chicago attorney Rachel Cohen has publicly stated her intention to withhold over $8,000 in federal income taxes as a protest against immigration detention and U.S. strikes on Iran. While expressing dissatisfaction with government policies is legal, refusing to pay owed taxes can result in significant penalties, including interest, wage garnishment, property liens, and potentially jail time. Cohen is aware of these risks and emphasizes her protest is against spending priorities, not taxation itself. This act aligns with a tradition of “war tax resistance,” which sees an increase in participation during periods of controversial U.S. military action.
John Q. Hosedrinker