Paul Supports Tax Relief for Military Survivors

Washington, DC- Representative Ron Paul recently joined his congressional colleagues in voting for the Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act, legislation that will eliminate a terrible tax levied on the families of our nation’s soldiers, sailors, and airmen.  Current law allows the IRS to tax the death benefit paid to surviving families when members of our armed forces pass away while serving.  Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina introduced the Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act to end this injustice, and dozens of cosponsors like Representative Paul ensured its swift passage.

The death gratuity paid to military families is only $12,000, which hardly qualifies as a financial windfall.  It was designed to help families financially during the very difficult weeks following the shock of losing not only a loved one, but also a breadwinner.  The benefit provides immediate money for funeral expenses or other needs.  An oversight in the tax code, however, allows the IRS to tax a portion of the benefit, causing financial hardship at the worst possible time.

“I applaud Congressman Jones for introducing this important legislation,” Paul stated.  “Grieving military families hardly need a tax bill from the IRS a few months after losing a spouse or parent.  Surely we can provide the families of our soldiers with a death benefit that is not reduced by income taxes.  The benefit is modest, and it is unconscionable to ask military families to return part of it to the federal government in taxes.  Military families make the ultimate sacrifice; surely the IRS can sacrifice a small amount of revenue.”