Should military pay be taxed?

2018-02-08T02:53:55-05:00

Should military pay be taxed? We are paid via taxes by taxpayers, and taxes can’t be taxed, so is taxing military pay technically taxing taxes? What are your thoughts?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 8 at 2018 2:57 AM

2018-02-08T02:57:26-05:00

Think of it as forced savings. 99.9999% of SM's get it all back and then some each year. That's money that otherwise would have gone to waste on alcohol and Mustang's

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Feb 8 at 2018 3:11 AM

2018-02-08T03:11:18-05:00

Unless things have changed, only your base pay is taxed. I see no issues with that. Using your logic, ALL people receiving a paycheck from the government should be tax exempt. Sorry dude, that dog don't hunt. We would have a real socialist society cranking up if we did.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 8 at 2018 5:19 AM

2018-02-08T05:19:21-05:00

If you think about it, your not really paying taxes, your paying yourself with the taxes taken out.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 8 at 2018 6:07 AM

2018-02-08T06:07:36-05:00

OK admit it, you and some buddies had a few too many beers. Then you all started coming up with questions that seemed pithy, and witty BEFORE you sobered up.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 6:07 AM

2018-02-08T06:07:42-05:00

All federal employees are paid with taxpayer money. So no it's not taxing taxes it's taxing wages.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 8 at 2018 6:43 AM

2018-02-08T06:43:13-05:00

I am retired and pay more taxes than my military government taxpayer provided income.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 8 at 2018 6:57 AM

2018-02-08T06:57:39-05:00

Base pay should be taxed IMHO since it is salary SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member
BHA [housing] and BAS [subsistence] should not be taxed.
FYI my retired Army pay is taxed by Federal and State taxes.
What do you think? LTC John Griscom LTC Wayne Brandon CPT Jim Gallagher] 1SG John Millan MSgt John McGowan MSgt David M. SSgt Boyd Herrst SSG Diane R.SPC Andrew Ross SSG Donald H "Don" Bates SP5 Jerry Mucha SGT John Meredith Sgt Private RallyPoint Member LCpl Emanuel W. SPC William Weedman PO3 Steven Sherrill LTC Bill Koski SGM Steve Wettstein

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 7:05 AM

2018-02-08T07:05:36-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member Nice try.

I am taxed on my military retirement pay, My state retirement, part of my social security, and anything else we have. Nice thing is Iowa does not have state taxes on social security nor military retirement. That is why I moved across the river from Nebraska.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Feb 8 at 2018 7:10 AM

2018-02-08T07:10:33-05:00

Using that same logic, you could argue that any government employee should not be taxed, including congress. Should congressional pay be taxed?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 8:15 AM

2018-02-08T08:15:25-05:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 8:41 AM

2018-02-08T08:41:39-05:00

Think of the billions and billions of dollars that people are paid with using government tax money. For example, all those people who make aircraft for the military. Their paycheck may say Lockheed or Boeing or whatever, but those companies pay them using the taxpayer dollars they get from their government contracts. If the plane contract goes to another company, they usually get laid off. Same for any federally paid-for project like interstate highways, construction workers building government buildings, etc etc. Even the people who make uniforms for the military or provide cleaning services for government buildings. All paid for with taxpayer dollars. The same rational for excluding military pay would apply to all those people as well.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 8 at 2018 8:56 AM

2018-02-08T08:56:35-05:00

When you deploy you will be very happy, stateside taxes should be paid.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 8 at 2018 9:12 AM

2018-02-08T09:12:12-05:00

If everyone that was paid with taxes whether it be federal or state didn't pay taxes, we wouldn't have much of any one else paying taxes.

Response by SGT David T. made Feb 8 at 2018 9:53 AM

2018-02-08T09:53:48-05:00

Yes. Next question.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Feb 8 at 2018 10:29 AM

2018-02-08T10:29:36-05:00

In all reality any pay be it civilian or military has already been taxed. Any time money changes hands "officially" it is taxed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 10:33 AM

2018-02-08T10:33:53-05:00

lol man I wish it wasn't taxed! I need another deployment!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 10:37 AM

2018-02-08T10:37:51-05:00

I think taxation is theft, so I won't go too far into it lol.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 8 at 2018 10:50 AM

2018-02-08T10:50:02-05:00

Yes, Especially as the pay RATES of Today. If military pay was Poverty Level or as it was back before the 70s, maybe not. We pay our Men and Women a reasonable wage. I raised 3 daughters and 2 step children on my pay. Oh, I had to watch my pennies, but I purchased New Vehicles, a New Home and we had conveniences...

Combat Pay, Specialty Pays, Hazardous Pay, BAQ, Rations are ALL COMPENSATION AND/ OR REWARDS for Special Circumstances that CIVILIANS (and parts of the Military DO NOT ENDURE........ THIS PAY SHOULD REMAIN NON TAXED

Response by CA Delete D. made Feb 8 at 2018 10:56 AM

2018-02-08T10:56:37-05:00

Once taxes are collected it is revenue for the govt. They are no longer "taxes"; your argument is invalid. Military members, like civilians, contribute to important programs, such as social security (not enough to live off, but you'll want those monthly checks nonetheless). Other programs are promulgated via financial support provided by taxes. I know having a fourth of your paycheck hacked off each pay period can be aggravating, but ever wonder what would happen if taxes disappeared? You want the govt running everything...rationing, approving/denying requests, etc. Would turn into quite the dystopian hell hole. If you want change then make sure to learn about the important issues surrounding us all and vote for strong, principled people whom will make sound decisions for the benefit of yourself, your loved ones and for the sake of your hard-working, tax-paying fellow citizens.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Feb 8 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-02-08T11:07:30-05:00

"Should military pay be taxed?" Yep...if you're employed, and the Army is your employer, then yes.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 8 at 2018 11:10 AM

2018-02-08T11:10:29-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member No, No Argument from Me.

Response by SSG Dale London made Feb 8 at 2018 11:19 AM

2018-02-08T11:19:08-05:00

I asked this question when I joined way back in 1980. To my way of thinking, it seemed a nonsense that I should pay taxes on my pay when it was coming from taxes in the first place. It seemed like the government was double-dipping. The answer I received then was to shut up and soldier, soldier. Not helpful.
Now, 38 years later, I think I understand. While a soldier's pay does indeed come from taxes, it forms only a tiny fraction of the total provision of government services -- something on the order of less than 1 cent on the dollar. If all that my taxes went for was military pay, then yes. Military pay should be exempt. But it goes to much more than that.
Perhaps a more sensible solution would be to provide the military with a tax deduction equal to the portion of his taxes that would go to his own pay. The other services and functions paid for by taxes still need to be paid for.
I hope I explained that intelligibly.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-02-08T12:15:30-05:00

It should all be tax free, irrespective of pay grade.
When was the last time a civilian went into a business meeting of 10 people and 4 were killed by small weapon's fire and one by a bomb? I didn't think so ...

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Feb 8 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-02-08T12:17:32-05:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgRbxHttZSM

dollars taxes

classic line from Duck Soup, by the Marx Bros.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Feb 9 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-02-09T09:57:37-05:00

No federal or state.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Feb 9 at 2018 9:58 AM

2018-02-09T09:58:58-05:00

No neither Federal or State should tax Military pay.

Response by David Mentor made Feb 9 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-02-09T10:52:03-05:00

“Taxing Taxes” kind of contradicts itself and the point of taxin to begin with.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 9 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-02-09T11:04:16-05:00

Have you not filed with the IRS?? Military pay is taxable both Federally and by those states which have income tax., how the pay is derived is not material, it is how you get it that results in being taxable.

Response by SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. made Feb 11 at 2018 10:36 PM

2018-02-11T22:36:46-05:00

It is earned income. I am only talking about base pay. I am retired and my retirement pay is also taxed.

Response by PO1 Dave Bowles made Feb 14 at 2018 5:35 AM

2018-02-14T05:35:00-05:00

Of course military pay should be taxed. You, as a citizen, enjoy the benefits of citizenship, mostly brought to you by the government, however inefficient it might be. Highways, schools, public services, and the government itself, among others, are paid for by taxes.

As for the taxing taxes thing, that's not happening. Your taxes go into the general fund, along with all the other government revenue. It's a big money pot that is used to pay the government's bills, one of which is your paycheck. As your employer, the government also pays their portion of FICA, just like all the other, non-government employers in the country.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 19 at 2018 11:02 PM

2018-02-19T23:02:26-05:00

"When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen." George Washington

Response by PO1 Dinah Goodman made Feb 25 at 2018 1:03 AM

2018-02-25T01:03:14-05:00

I don't think it should be taxed. That would be an incentive to join.

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Feb 28 at 2018 4:39 PM

2018-02-28T16:39:45-05:00

hell no!!!

Response by SGT Nathan Hanna made Mar 19 at 2018 8:14 AM

2018-03-19T08:14:11-04:00

It's pay. All pay is taxable. If military pay isn't taxable then by the same logic park service pay should be non taxable along with any government position. That just shrinks the budget by several million or possibly a billion. That means no pay raises and now you don't qualify for government programs like Medicare and Medicaid or social security. No one likes taxes but everyone likes roads and affordable utilities. That is what you're paying for.

Response by SGT David Angione made Mar 20 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-03-20T09:15:20-04:00

They should never ever be taxed although i can see the point of view of the comment below

Response by CW3 Michael Shea made Mar 22 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-03-22T13:22:37-04:00

Maybe a better alternative is for states to waive sales tax for Veterans.

Response by SPC Janet Roush made Mar 30 at 2018 4:48 AM

2018-03-30T04:48:30-04:00

I say no. The pay is low so I don't believe it should be taxed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2018 7:49 AM

2018-03-30T07:49:16-04:00

I wish lol

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Apr 10 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-04-10T15:55:59-04:00

WhenI was in service, I still considered myself to be a Citizen of the US. Being that personage, I have driven the highways, crossed the Bridges, vacationed in the forests, was educated in the school systems, and benefited from many other aspects of the government which my tax money helped to supposedly pay for. I see no reason why my pay should not be taxed for the common good of these privileges which most other countries do NOT enjoy. I do, however, have many questions about how this money is used, however, that is a subject for another day.

Response by CPL Ron Aragon made Apr 11 at 2018 3:43 PM

2018-04-11T15:43:54-04:00

That would mean that Americans are being taxed twice. Our taxes go to pay for military. Military members are part of the military. Otherwise, we pay taxes, then it gets returned to the non military portion of our government after it is already spent for our military.

Response by SGT Drue Rockwell made Apr 21 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-04-21T21:50:21-04:00

No. Not any more than it already is.

Response by SGT Walter Lester made Apr 25 at 2018 10:49 AM

2018-04-25T10:49:00-04:00

I thank we all should pay our fair share of taxes. That's what keeps our country going.That's where your military pay comes from. The only time I didn't have to pay payroll taxes was when I served one tour in Vietnam. I was getting E-5 base pay, overseas pay and hazardous duty pay.at the time, but I wouldn't have complained if I had to pay taxes on it.

Response by SSgt Edward Iwanski made Apr 26 at 2018 6:36 PM

2018-04-26T18:36:32-04:00

Absolutely not. Our bodies and minds are taxed enough.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Apr 27 at 2018 9:21 AM

2018-04-27T09:21:14-04:00

You can thank LBJ and Congress in '68, needed the money to pay for Vietnam Conflict. Prior to that military pay was untaxed

Response by PO1 Fred McCall made May 4 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-05-04T21:41:46-04:00

Taxes can't be taxed? Says who?

Response by SGT William Ek made May 5 at 2018 8:16 AM

2018-05-05T08:16:20-04:00

NO , Their pay is too Low !

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 6 at 2018 8:03 PM

2018-05-06T20:03:56-04:00

Majority of civilians think military pay isn't taxed. Have spent many hours explaining that military pay is taxed and that we pay Social Security and Medicare, most are amazed or flat out don't believe me. I agree that as citizens we should be paying these taxes. Face it there is no such thing as a free ride and the fact that our pay comes from American taxpayers is meaningless IMO.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 6 at 2018 11:04 PM

2018-05-06T23:04:47-04:00

Hahaha what a funny question.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 8 at 2018 5:55 PM

2018-05-08T17:55:25-04:00

your base pay should be taxed - it is earned income - no matter the source of the funds to pay you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2018 7:10 PM

2018-05-08T19:10:45-04:00

Base pay isn't taxed and I agree with that. My Retirement pay (about 1/3 of what I was making) is taxed and I think as a benefit of completing 20+ years of service, retirement pay should not be taxed...

Response by 2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 5:38 PM

2018-05-11T17:38:26-04:00

There is no logical argument for not taxing base pay. Just because the government collects money via taxation does not mean that our pay IS taxes. When the government collects it, it's taxes, when they pay somebody with that money, it is taxable wages.

BAH makes sense to be tax-free because if we considered that taxable income then we'd have to calculate the value of any free housing provided taxable income as well. Consider the following example:

Soldier A: $40k base and $10k BAH. We call that ALL taxable and he has taxable income of $50k.

Soldier B: $40k base and lives on post, but would have to have the same taxable income of $50k. You'd have to opt for additional tax withholding or have a huge tax bill at the end of the year to pay taxes on your additional benefits (assuming you didn't have enough deductions/credits to offset this).

Response by MSgt Scott Howard made May 14 at 2018 9:31 PM

2018-05-14T21:31:21-04:00

Well, I'm a radical and think that any government employee should not be taxed by the level of government they work for; Fed for fed, state for state, etc.

Response by LCpl Steve Smith made May 27 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-05-27T18:14:28-04:00

If you are stationed in California your pay is taxed at least it was in the 90's

Response by SMSgt David A Asbury made May 27 at 2018 11:50 PM

2018-05-27T23:50:45-04:00

Tax Active Duty base pay but not retirement pay.

Response by SSgt Robert Prest made May 28 at 2018 8:53 PM

2018-05-28T20:53:08-04:00

No, I would take it over a raise.

Response by MSgt Walter Clack made May 28 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-05-28T21:01:07-04:00

Its earned income. No problem. All government employees are paid from taxes. No reason we should not pull our own weight, at least our fair share.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made May 30 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-05-30T14:00:30-04:00

Of course it should be taxed. Taxes don't just provide the revenues your salary comes from. Since base and special pays are taxable, and ration and quarters allowances are not, we already get a tax break. My home State gave me a 10,000 dollar income exclusion to boot. If you're a citizen, earning a wage, then you pay taxes.

Response by SSgt Hal Kiah made Jun 4 at 2018 10:16 PM

2018-06-04T22:16:18-04:00

When I was in, the Only time we were exempt, was when we were assigned to an overseas location. Once we went back stateside, we paid state and federal taxes, but Only on our base pay, so no biggy. Today though,.... uh not sure, part of me Wants to say Go tax exempt, but that's only because of how the lowered echelon troops are paid. I just hope the most recent pay raise that Trump approved, or is going to approve, is not targetted. The last time that happened, a bunch of people got skipped over while the higher ups, E-9s and up along with higher officer types, made bank, which was just wrong.
Just my opinion

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Jun 4 at 2018 10:38 PM

2018-06-04T22:38:57-04:00

Well, you get an E for effort. Nice try.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Jun 9 at 2018 12:44 PM

2018-06-09T12:44:40-04:00

I've haven't had a military check for close to 30 years but I seem to remember pay was taxable, allowances were not. I don't have a problem with that. I always took every deduction I could to keep my taxes low but I didn't blink when it came time to write the checks. FWIW, the new tax bill removed the 0% bracket that many military members may have fallen into.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Jun 9 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-06-09T12:50:21-04:00

BTW -- the taxing taxes argument doesn't work. YOUR taxes aren't being taxed, only your income. It would be equivalent to saying no defense contractor should be taxed because their main customer was the government.

Response by SSgt Dan Moquin made Jun 17 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-06-17T14:00:22-04:00

If taxes can't be taxed, then it would be more than just military not having to pay taxes. School teachers property taxes, police and firemen state and local taxes, anyone in the government would basically be exempt from paying taxes.

Response by SCPO Brian Moats made Jun 18 at 2018 5:07 AM

2018-06-18T05:07:36-04:00

Pay is taxed allowances aren't. But that is how they get around not paying as much for retirement. Retirement being based on basic pay and not everything you were making. You really aren't paying that much tax considering how much most people make with added allowances

Response by Cpl Billy Ashworth made Jun 20 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-06-20T13:28:20-04:00

Yes I had to pay taxes on my paycheck for ten years I was in the Marines

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 20 at 2018 4:06 PM

2018-06-20T16:06:40-04:00

Yes, if General Washington would not take special privileges why should we?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 20 at 2018 4:40 PM

2018-06-20T16:40:25-04:00

The term you're looking is'Double Jeopardy'
1. Well for the year 2012, the Social Security payroll TAX RATE stood at 4.2 percent for employees, and 6.2 percent for employers. So the Government taxes your SSN payments - then taxed your Social Security Benefits when they are paid out.
2. Recipients of welfare file a Tax Return and can get deductions out the return EVEN THOUGH they did not pay any taxes. But Welfare is not classified as 'Income' and as such can't be taxed.
3. Heroin and other addicts get free needles and drugs while a 20ish year old working man recently died because he was "rationing his diabetes insulin" because he could not afford his 2000+ a month medication cost. This is without including his other medical costs caused by his deterioration.
"The Truth is Out There", but it won't make yourself feel any better to learn it.
If you feel so strongly about the issue, please leave the military and go into politics. Once elected to office you can work to change it.

Response by PO2 Christina Hutson made Jun 26 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-06-26T13:42:48-04:00

Heck NO, why is it when they want to increase something it's always military, social security, taxes, but when we want the Congress, Senate and other high beings to show some dignity in taxing themselves they cry like babies. They get paid to do a job and all I see is them sleeping not paying no mind to the people. We get our pay cut and variably make it on the salary we get but when they retire get full benefits WHY! Why don't they get a pay cut aren't we all serving the people and there freedom. when are we going to get a pay raise that's worth something than they do for nothing. WHY PICK ON US THE MILITARY WHEN WE GO FIGHT FOR THERE FREEDOM AND THAN NO ONE REALLY CARES THIS REALLY BITES. BUT I'M PROUD TO BE A VETERAN AND I'M STILL PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY (AMERICA) AND THE ONES WHO STILL FIGHTS ABROAD AND HOME GIVING THERE ALL FOR FREEDOM! GOD BLESS TO ALL AND PEACE TO OUR COUNTRY.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jul 4 at 2018 9:08 AM

2018-07-04T09:08:03-04:00

in todays military where less than5% of the population serve and a nation that has been at war longer than anytime in our country, their should be no taxes for military personell. The other 95% of our nation should be greatful that we don't have the draft anymore. I Quote Winston Churchill about the RAF in ww2 "never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" I think that could apply to our nation today.

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Jul 5 at 2018 11:06 AM

2018-07-05T11:06:25-04:00

so if you did say 10 years and got out when it came time to collect social security you would have 10 years that didn't count. a lot of police officers don't have SS taken out and have to work a certain number of years to get Medicare and social security to help supplement retirement.

Response by SFC Harry (Billy) Tison made Jul 15 at 2018 3:27 PM

2018-07-15T15:27:28-04:00

That would add more defincint to the budget

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-07-17T21:11:03-04:00

I think we shouldn’t be taxed but our page should be adjusted. Why pay us and then take it back? Just take it right from the get go.

Response by MSgt Thomas Welch made Jul 20 at 2018 8:43 AM

2018-07-20T08:43:10-04:00

Base pay has always been taxed or was while I was in. so why change? to use your logic your just going to crap again so why wipe your butt?

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Jul 23 at 2018 3:12 PM

2018-07-23T15:12:51-04:00

My personal opinion is a simple one, no American citizen should pay a income tax
currently the American Federal, state & City Governments use the tax code to punish the American Citizens for working hard and becoming successful.
the federal Government should collect a 15% sales tax on all goods and services sold in the united states. with the exceptions of Yard Sales, Garage Sales, medical services & supplies, Food water & Children clothing, and the Purchasing of School supplies once or twice a year.
we should stop punishing the hard working American citizens for working hard and becoming succefully and stop rewarding the non working american citizens and illegal immigrants for not working.
i am not against a basic safety net, that help american citizens get back on there feet, but it seems to me todays safety nets are not safety nets but rather a way of life that rewards Generations of american citizens for not working & playing the system, while encouraging illegals to enter America illlegaly to take advantage of the benefits that hard working american citizens provide.

we have a system that PUNISHES THE LAW ABIDING HARD WORKING TAX PAYING AMERICAN CITIZENS WHILE REWARDING THE LAZINESS of a certian number of the American CITIZENS population, ALONG with the ILLEGAL ACTIVITY of CRIMINAL ILLEGALS CROSSING THE BORDER.

by ending the income tax and going to a sales tax, this would go along way to reducing and slowing this abuse , it would definitely stop punishing those citizens who work hard and save.
i know i went off topic .

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 10:53 AM

2018-07-29T10:53:56-04:00

We're citizens (or legal residents), so we should pay what everyone else pays. Our employer doesn't change that fact.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-07-29T17:15:55-04:00

I thought we already pay taxes.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jul 30 at 2018 11:18 PM

2018-07-30T23:18:34-04:00

Well said SPC Voye. Unfortunately, Congress and especially the IRS. When I enlisted thebasic pay for an E1 was $149.10 a month. I ate in the chow hall (DFAC), washed my clothing in the dorm, rarely ate out even at the BX cafeteria. But taxes still took a bite out of my pay. But the civilian pukes who run things in D. C. say we make a very comparable salary with the civilian job market. HA! BAS, BHA, TDY and PCS pay are all taxed. But don't forget reenlistment bonuses, and enlistment bonuses! No military pay, no matter if active duty, retired or reserve should never be taxed.

Response by LTC Brett Weeks made Aug 1 at 2018 9:40 AM

2018-08-01T09:40:43-04:00

Also, companies wouldn’t have to pay taxes on their income derived from government contracts. The source of your pay may be taxes, however it is still income to you. Unless excluded by tax law, all income is taxable. You are even supposed to report and pay taxes on cash income, and income from illegal activities.

Response by Cpl Thomas Wiklanski made Aug 3 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-08-03T22:14:06-04:00

Military pay wasn't taxed until the 1950s

Response by SSG James Bloodworth made Aug 5 at 2018 1:08 AM

2018-08-05T01:08:43-04:00

Why shouldn't it be taxed? It is a job after all. And beside most of the time, you get it all back when you file tax. Plus you get many other beneifits that civilians dont get. Be happy with what you have. Military pay has increased a lot over the past 30 years.you would crap yourself if I told you what I got paid as an E2 back in 1985.

Response by SGT Alfonso Lepe made Aug 17 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-08-17T09:23:33-04:00

I dont belive congress is taxed?

Response by SMSgt Odis Souther made Aug 19 at 2018 11:59 AM

2018-08-19T11:59:46-04:00

Is anyone considering how much the government is spending to manage SM's taxes?... If we didn't have our taxes mananged by the IRS how many less IRS workers would be needed?

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2018 8:35 PM

2018-08-25T20:35:48-04:00

I think you are reaching when you say that it is taxing taxes...You are probably thinking about excluded income that actually went to pay other taxes (i.e. sales or property tax), but this is money you paid out to the government not money it pays you.

I’ve thought in the past about whether we would save money by not taxing government salaries, and just reduce the salaries by an appropriate amount. I thought it might allow the IRS to get smaller by reducing the number of returns they need to process, but in the end I don’t think it would change much. Many of us would need to continue to file for other income and what is the right amount to reduce salaries by? A friend of mine has a big family while mine is small, today he probably pays less in taxes than I, it wouldn’t be fair to reduce our salaries by the same amount. So, paying tax on base pay is probably the fairest way to handle this even if it creates an infinite loop of money going to the government and then the government collecting it back.

Response by SGM Robert Long made Aug 26 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-08-26T23:39:20-04:00

A BIG FAT NO! Should the NFL players be taxed? A BIG FAT AFFIRMATIVE! We need to take care of the ones that put their lives on the line each and everyday, not the NFL for certain.

Response by SMSgt Matthew Hoyer made Sep 3 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-09-03T14:55:17-04:00

This is much less laborious than it seems. 16th Amendment to the Constitution provides for taxation of income, which is what you get. Yes, we should be taxed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-09-09T13:28:12-04:00

As a veteran myself, I truly believe that all service members should be tax exempt given the fact that they put their lives on the line and fight for freedom.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Sep 13 at 2018 1:46 PM

2018-09-13T13:46:15-04:00

Of course not! Theoretically, military pay IS tax money! Taxing the tax!

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Sep 20 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-09-20T10:47:33-04:00

I truly believe we should be taxed while on active duty. Even though we are paid by the same system, it's still our responsibilities as working citizens to pay back into the very system that pays us. I am a very strong believer though that if you've served in combat and have the documentation to prove it, you should not pay taxes whatsoever from your military retirement pension. My personal opinion but you've done your part for our country and I think that we owe it to those combat Veterans to do something like this for them.

Response by Cpl Douglas Loven made Sep 22 at 2018 6:00 AM

2018-09-22T06:00:25-04:00

Response by SGT Floyd Brown made Sep 22 at 2018 1:45 PM

2018-09-22T13:45:56-04:00

hell no

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2018 5:10 PM

2018-09-22T17:10:43-04:00

I do think we could save quite a bit by reducing the size of the IRS if we said that paychecks earned from the federal government were tax free. We are essentially spending money tracking recycled pennies when we could be doing more effective things with those agents.

Response by SSG Russell Busicchia made Sep 26 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-09-26T21:40:05-04:00

The current law says our base pay can be taxed. However, this accounts for about three months pay per year. That means we work about 3 months for free. I know of no other employer that can take back pay from its employees. Is it fair, who cares, it is legal. Don't get me wrong, I served 20 years and do not regret one day, in fact I'd do it again. Just stating fact.

Response by 2LT Lou J Apa made Sep 28 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-09-28T15:00:54-04:00

NEVER.....they risk their lives and are due this allowance!

Response by SSgt Jeff Moore made Oct 1 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-10-01T18:54:40-04:00

I remember being E-4, with a wife and child, qualifying financially for food stamps. We were under orders, not only myself but many in my position to not apply. I also remember under Carter that we were ordered to report for duty even if we were not being paid. That is a bit different than most government positions, so I have mixed thoughts about taxation of military pay.

Response by SN Jay Perry made Oct 3 at 2018 11:50 AM

2018-10-03T11:50:22-04:00

Actually, if you want to get people like the Trump family to join the military and serve the country, unlike any of the last three generations of the Trump family in any branch of service in any country in the world! Just take the taxes off of military pay they'll join in a heartbeat

Response by SSG Lee Kujawa made Oct 3 at 2018 2:14 PM

2018-10-03T14:14:38-04:00

Yes, every working American should pay his/her fair share of taxes. With the logic you pose, every government worker being paid with funds originating from our taxes shouldn’t have to pay either. That’s ridiculous. Every working American should pay their taxes, no exceptions.

Response by CPO Sean Arnold made Oct 5 at 2018 7:04 AM

2018-10-05T07:04:56-04:00

If we get it all back when we file, as was stated in a previous post, why should we pay it in the first place. Do I think it should be taxed? I'm on the fence. It depends on who's taxing it and what it's for (fed, state, Medicare etc..)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2018 4:34 PM

2018-10-07T16:34:24-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2018 8:27 PM

2018-10-08T20:27:33-04:00

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Oct 12 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-10-12T11:11:05-04:00

You are correct. Military pay comes from taxes. And Taxes can't be taxed. "Pay" is is taxable. Since Pay is taxable, Military Pay is taxable.

Response by SSG Earl Coolman made Oct 13 at 2018 7:52 AM

2018-10-13T07:52:18-04:00

Someone please fact check. Prior to the Eisenhower administration the military was tax exempt. I believe it should still be that way. Not all government employees, just the military. Just like the government shouldn’t tax social security.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2018 12:40 AM

2018-10-15T00:40:59-04:00

NO ! Taxes should NOT be levied upon Military pay !

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made Oct 15 at 2018 5:15 AM

2018-10-15T05:15:01-04:00

All civil servants should be taxed the same as any other citizen. What isn’t fair is that civilian contractors working right next to a GIs overseas don’t have to pay income taxes. They get to use base facilities and get to use our medical and dental care but if they are outside conus for two years they don’t pay income taxes but we do

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2018 3:25 PM

2018-10-21T15:25:35-04:00

Things ending in pay and conus COLA are taxed

Response by COL Ed Mullin made Oct 21 at 2018 6:37 PM

2018-10-21T18:37:41-04:00

Yes, we should pay taxes. We are full citizens of the USA. Pay service members a generous amount and let us also be able to say that we too pay taxes. We serve, but also are able to contribute to government services-- just pay service members enough to make that possible.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-10-28T12:48:23-04:00

I believe that retirement pay should not be taxed but regular base pay should be taxed.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 28 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-10-28T14:45:00-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member making all military tax exempt would be the lowest cost benefit possible. Don’t know why they don’t.

EDIT: there are 141.2 million tax payers in the US and pay $1.45 trillion in taxes on $10.4 trillion of income.

https://taxfoundation.org/summary-federal-income-tax-data-2017/

There are 1.282M active duty service members. Another 800K in seven reserve components. Just looking at AD, the average salary is $57000/yr. if they pay 33% in taxes (the national average), that is $24B/yr not going back to the government. However, I believe that $24B to be high. But let's take a step back....how often can we give a $24B benefit To the entire force that would be immediately appreciated and universally recognizable as a compensation benefit and not Ouija math.

The loss to tax revenue is budget dust.

Summary of the Latest Federal Income Tax Data, 2017 Update

New data on individual income taxes for tax year 2015 shows the number of taxpayers, adjusted gross income, and income tax shares by income percentiles.

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Oct 28 at 2018 3:20 PM

2018-10-28T15:20:04-04:00

Using the common logic in most of the comments if we did not tax military pay we could not tax the pay on any government worker including the politicians, police, and anyone paid with tax dollars. At this point, that would not work without severe changes to the tax system. However, that may not be such a bad idea.

Response by SFC James William Bolt [ 40 Yards ] made Oct 28 at 2018 3:25 PM

2018-10-28T15:25:43-04:00

ONE WORD [No]

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 28 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-10-28T15:38:35-04:00

Yes! It is amazing the number of people that think military and police are not taxed! It gave me the opportunity whenever anybody said "I pay your salary!" I always said "yeah me too!"

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 28 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-10-28T15:40:58-04:00

When the employee(whatever capacity they are in; military or Civil Svc gets it, it ‘s Not taxes, just money. So it is again taxable as income ,

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Oct 28 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-10-28T16:15:26-04:00

No!!!

Response by SGT Gary Guessh made Oct 28 at 2018 6:30 PM

2018-10-28T18:30:18-04:00

No.

Response by CWO3 Mark Davies made Nov 2 at 2018 1:34 PM

2018-11-02T13:34:25-04:00

I can understand Federal Tax on it but do not agree, but states have NO rights to tax your pay active duty or retired because you never worked in that state unless it was a military assignment.

Response by GySgt Richard James made Nov 4 at 2018 1:52 AM

2018-11-04T01:52:59-05:00

No, especially when benefits are eroded every two to three years......Don't just look at the last ten years or so, go back further......Actually do your due diligence and study/research HISTORY....."Carry On"******With all that said, the question should never have been given the light of day "Especially" if you served on "Active Duty" (Military) Selflessly.......

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made Nov 5 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-11-05T11:40:40-05:00

I think that military pay and retirement should be handled the same way as congresses pay is handled.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2018 4:48 PM

2018-11-13T16:48:53-05:00

Yea cause when people say dumb stuff like "my taxes pay your salary." or "I pay my taxes, you're welcome." I say, "so do I."!

Response by SFC Raymond Davis made Nov 16 at 2018 12:23 AM

2018-11-16T00:23:57-05:00

A very simpel no

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 17 at 2018 10:00 AM

2018-11-17T10:00:26-05:00

Simply put, no they are not taxing taxes. They are taxing income.
No, military pay should not be taxed, but that is because no pay should be taxed. All taxation is theft.
But since we DO have taxation, yes, the pay should be taxed in our current (ridiculously complicated) tax code, because every situation is different, and different service members get different deductions based on many factors. Which means people pay different EFFECTIVE tax rates. Which is stupid, but it's also the law. The only way to comply with that law is to pay everyone fully, tax everyone fully, and then make them justify their deductions at the end.

If we had a flat tax with no deductions, we could simply lower pay by an equivalent amount and make it tax free, but that is not the world in which we live.

Response by SPC James Villanti made Nov 17 at 2018 4:28 PM

2018-11-17T16:28:45-05:00

Since your military obligation is based on 24 hours a day then if you have to pay taxes it should be 1/3 of the amount based on an 8 hour day..

Response by SGT David DeWalt made Nov 21 at 2018 11:55 AM

2018-11-21T11:55:40-05:00

i personally think not so it would keep the lower ranks off government assistance. definitely not overseas because the contractors are not paying federal taxes, i.e. KBR employees.

Response by PO3 Tyler Adams made Nov 22 at 2018 9:18 AM

2018-11-22T09:18:22-05:00

The way I understand tax law is you cannot tax money twice. Service members are payed with monies the government collected thru taxation. So there really is no valid argument. HELL NO! They cannot legally be taxed. I imagine nothing has changed since I was in. So in short, soldiers and sailors are still woefully underpaid.

Response by SFC Harry (Billy) Tison made Nov 25 at 2018 7:54 PM

2018-11-25T19:54:06-05:00

In the borders of the US, then yes. Overseas and in a way zone, then no

Response by CPT Timothy Hernandez made Nov 27 at 2018 8:02 AM

2018-11-27T08:02:55-05:00

We all need to have skin in the game if we are going to maintain an income tax. If not than the government class would be prone to excessively taxing the rest of society.

By having to pay and concern yourself with tax burdens it helps you to be more aware of the burden being carried by the rest of society.

That being said, the rest of society still pays more in taxes than a service member, due to the fact that our BAH and BAS are tax exempt. This is a significant tax benefit that most service members fail to fully realize until they are out of the service.

Response by MSgt Mike (Lobo VNV Original) Morrow made Jan 26 at 2019 3:24 PM

2019-01-26T15:24:19-05:00

No, since Military pay is taken from taxes to start with the Military pay is essentially double taxation. Just saying.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Feb 2 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-02-02T12:54:13-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member IMHO - since we are defending the country, we should be tax exempt! ( My last duty station prior to going overseas, FLA was my "home", and I was tax exempt while overseas )

Response by SSgt Gerald Sapaugh made May 8 at 2019 10:58 PM

2019-05-08T22:58:14-04:00

Military Pay comes from taxpayer funds that have already been taxed. The only tax that should come out of military pay is SSI for retirement. All other taxes should be eliminated.

Response by SFC Grant Ross made Jan 20 at 2021 9:18 PM

2021-01-20T21:18:12-05:00

LOL NO...oh and politicians should be on TRICARE too, since we are in fantasy land

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Jan 21 at 2021 6:37 PM

2021-01-21T18:37:49-05:00

Please continue to pay your taxes as us retirees appreciate our retirement pay.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Mar 12 at 2021 5:46 PM

2021-03-12T17:46:49-05:00

Talk about a pyramid scheme.