What To Do
With Resisted Taxes

We can see the cost of the billions spent on the Iraq war and an endless war on terrorism all around us: underfunded schools, inadequate housing and health care, deteriorating urban areas, lack of public transportation, environmental problems, and more. We have also seen these policies result in the death and destruction of people in other countries.

By redirecting our resisted telephone taxes — even though the
amounts may be small — we can begin reparing the damage. When we refuse to give the tax to the government, we do not simply keep it ourselves, but rather put the money to a positive social use that reflects our principles and priorities.

These small amounts, when combined with thousands of others, become significant. By redirecting our phone taxes, we can help heal the wounds of war at home and abroad.

The choice of positive uses for these refused dollars is boundless, and includes not only national organizations but also local and regional ones which address the unmet domestic needs in our nation. If you wish your resisted taxes to go specifically to help the people of Iraq, Hang Up On War! suggests the following organization:

• American Friends Service Committee - The American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. Founded by Quakers in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with an opportunity to aid civilian war victims, AFSC's work attracts the support and partnership of people of many races, religions, and cultures, and is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faither in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. AFSC has an active program helping the people of Iraq, and you can learn more about it by going to www.afsc.org

GOOD GIVING TIP - In addition to giving your resisted phone tax as an individual (we suggest giving it quarterly, semi-annually or annually to avoid numerous small checks), you should also consider pooling your resisted taxes with others in a war tax resistance “alternative fund.” Such funds can be a fun and supportive way to join your phone tax resistance with that of your neighbors, friends and colleagues. These funds usually operate by making grants and donations (of their resisted taxes) to peace, human rights, service, and aid organizations around April 15. (see a listing on NWTRCC website at www.nwtrcc.org)