Peace Tax Return

“Peace Tax Return” for Tax Year 2007 To download: Click on the image to the right for an Acrobat PDF of NWTRCC’s Peace Tax Return. *This is not an official IRS form. Use it to protest paying for war.* This is a two-page letter size form. If you would like the brochure style (legal-size) instead, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to NWTRCC (PO Box 150553, Brooklyn, NY 11215-0553). Bulk copies of the brochure style (legal-size) are available for 8 cents each plus postage from the NWTRCC office. - or - Read the text below.
Use this form to protest or resist paying taxes for war Peace Tax Return If a thousand people were not to pay their tax-bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the state to commit violence and shed innocent blood. –Henry David Thoreau “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience”
There are 3 sections to this form. Please read the Instructions below to decide whether to use Part A or Part B. Everyone can use the Response Form. If you do not file or file online and want to send a protest, mail either Part A or Part B to Commissioner Mark. W. Everson, IRS, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20224 and to elected officials.
Part A For persons paying their taxes to the IRS who wish to register a protest with their payment.	To the IRS and Elected Officials: I am horrified by the amount of my tax dollars being used for war. Every month as much as $12 billion is being spent on the unjust war and occupation in Iraq. Each year at least half of our tax dollars are used to pay for current and past wars. If instead this money were invested in peace initiatives and aid programs we could truly build a better and more secure world. I request that the part of my taxes used for military purposes be diverted to nonmilitary programs. Signature Date Name Address City State Zip
Part B For persons who refuse to pay some or all of their federal taxes to the IRS as a protest against paying for war. Read through the NWTRCC website and links or contact a counselor near you for information on resisting.	To the IRS and Elected Officials: I am horrified by the amount of my tax dollars being used for war. Approximately 7% of federal taxes is being used for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Approximately 50% of federal taxes is being used for current and past military expenses. If instead this money were invested in peace initiatives and aid programs we could truly build a better and more secure world. I feel so strongly about this that I am refusing to pay ____% or $_______ of my taxes owed to the IRS. I will either set this money aside to pay at a time when it will not be used for war, or I will give this amount to programs that help build true peace and security. I understand that the IRS may use its enforcement procedures to collect this money from me but I hope that you will instead join me in this refusal to pay for war. Signature Date Name Address City State Zip
Response Form Please help us to track the use of this form by filling out this section and returning it to: National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC), PO Box 150553, Brooklyn, NY 11215 or fax to 718.768.4388, nwtrcc@nwtrcc.org	Name Address City State Zip Phone E-mail Thank you! I completed Part A and sent it to the IRS. I completed Part B and sent it to the IRS. I prefer to remain anonymous, but I sent notice of my ___ protest ___ refusal of war taxes to the IRS. If you refused to pay some or all of your taxes, what amount was refused? $_______. I sent copies of Part A or B to my elected officials. o Please add me to your mailing list. Please send me ___ copies of this flyer. Enclosed is a contribution for the work of NWTRCC.

Instructions for the Peace Tax Form/War Tax Protest

Who should use this form?
This form is for

people who want to register a protest to paying taxes for war
people who choose to refuse to pay some or all of their federal taxes because they are spent on war

Is this form illegal?
You have the right to protest actions by the government with which you do not agree. Using this form is an exercise of your freedom of speech. (See the next section regarding refusal to pay taxes.) The IRS regulations state that you should not write messages on their official forms, such as the 1040 form. There is no policy against enclosing a note or letter of protest. War tax resisters have many years of experience with this. At times the IRS has disregarded its own regulations and charged people who send enclosures with their tax returns with a “frivolous filing fee” of $500. IRS attempts to impose this fine can be protested successfully. (Option: send your peace tax form or protest letter in a separate envelope.)

Is it illegal to refuse to pay taxes?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes “freedom of conscience” as a human right. Many who refuse to pay war taxes believe our government should recognize a conscientious objector status for war tax refusers (see www.peacetaxfund.org).
However, under current tax laws in the U.S., there is no legal option to send tax dollars to an organization of one’s choice rather than to the IRS to prevent taxes being used for war. The IRS has full power to enforce collection of taxes not paid to the government. This is usually done through letters demanding payment, but can involve seizures, such as of funds from bank accounts or salaries. Making charitable contributions and seeking out all options for deductions may help to legally reduce taxes due for those who itemize. Living below the taxable income (approximately $8,750 for a single person) is also legal. If you choose either of these options to lower your complicity with war, register your protest by using Part A of this form.
Protesting war taxes involves risks. The Thoreau quote on the front panel reminds us why we take such risks.

Instructions
(Please read through the above first.)

Part A
This section is for 1) people who are getting a refund from the IRS because taxes have already been paid through payroll withholding; 2) people who are paying their taxes in full but under protest; or, 3) people who do not owe tax on April 15 because they have used legal methods to reduce their tax bill. Add your own thoughts if you choose. Sign and date the statement and enclose it when you file your return.
Send copies to elected officials.

Part B
This section is for people who refuse to pay some or all of their federal taxes because they do not want to pay for war. This is an act of civil disobedience.
Fill in the percentage and/or amount you are refusing. (Example: 7% of $1,500 tax due is $105, or refuse a small amount as a protest, such as $1 or $10.) Add your own thoughts on this form or in a separate letter if you choose. Sign and date the statement and enclose it when you file your return. Send copies to elected officials.

Response Form
Please return this form to NWTRCC (anonymously if you prefer)

to let us know that you have used the Peace Tax Form
to request more information
to be added to our mailing list
to help build a stronger campaign to end war spending.

NWTRCC was founded in 1982 as a coalition of local, regional and national groups supportive of war tax resistance. Through the redirection of our tax dollars, NWTRCC members contribute directly to the struggle for peace and justice for all. NWTRCC will put you in touch with groups in your area if you contact us at the address below. Contributions from individuals sustain our efforts. Your financial support will help us continue our work.

NATIONALWAR TAX RESISTANCE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
PO Box 150553, Brooklyn, NY 11215
800.269.7464 or 718.768.3420
Fax: 718.768.4388
email: nwtrcc@nwtrcc.org
web: www.nwtrcc.org