Chicago attorney Rachel Cohen has an outstanding federal income tax balance of over $8,000, which she has chosen not to pay as a form of protest against U.S. government actions, including immigration detention policies and military strikes. According to her filed tax return, Cohen owes $8,830 in federal taxes, though she has emphasized that her protest targets federal spending priorities rather than taxation itself. She has paid approximately $3,000 in Illinois state taxes.
Cohen’s protest falls within a broader trend of war tax resistance, where individuals withhold taxes to express dissent against government policies. This practice has historical roots going back to the inception of the United States and often sees increased participation during periods of military conflict or political contention, as noted by experts in the field.
While protesting tax payments is considered legal, failing to meet obligations can result in severe penalties under federal law. Tax experts warn that risk may include wage garnishment, tax liens, and even potential jail time, particularly for willful tax evasion. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically views tax resistance claims as frivolous and often imposes additional penalties.
The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee, an organization founded by activists from the anti-Vietnam War movement, has reported a surge in interest in tax resistance tactics, particularly following recent significant political events, including the ongoing Gaza conflict. The organization does not encourage non-payment of taxes but provides information about the implications and risks involved.
Individuals like Ruth Benn, another long-time war tax protester, have accumulated significant tax debts over the years due to similar actions. Benn, who currently owes approximately $27,000, continues to file her returns while refusing to pay federal taxes, providing explanations to the IRS regarding her stance.
Cohen states her decision is personal and not an encouragement for others to follow suit. She hopes her actions prompt reflection on the alignment between beliefs and actions.
Taxpayers engaged in similar protests face various legal ramifications, including penalties for failing to file returns or pay taxes. The IRS can implement collections actions such as refund offsets and property seizures. Furthermore, there is no statute of limitations for cases involving fraudulent tax returns, allowing the IRS to pursue these matters indefinitely.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from www.cnbc.com.
