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Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act

12/31/2022, 5:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4529

Bill 117 HR 4529, also known as the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide a way for individuals who have religious or moral objections to paying taxes that fund military activities to redirect their tax dollars to nonviolent programs and activities.

Under this bill, individuals would be able to conscientiously object to paying taxes that fund the military and instead have their tax dollars allocated to a separate fund called the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund. This fund would support programs and activities that promote peace, nonviolence, and conflict resolution.

The bill outlines the process for individuals to apply for this exemption and redirect their tax dollars, as well as the guidelines for how the funds in the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund would be allocated and used. It also includes provisions to ensure that individuals who choose to redirect their taxes are not penalized or discriminated against for their beliefs. Supporters of the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act argue that it is a way to respect the religious and moral beliefs of individuals who are opposed to funding military activities. They believe that this bill promotes religious freedom and allows individuals to contribute to causes that align with their values. Opponents of the bill may argue that it could potentially weaken the funding for essential military programs and activities, and that it may be difficult to implement and administer the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund. Overall, Bill 117 HR 4529, the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act, is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to provide a way for individuals with religious or moral objections to funding the military to redirect their tax dollars to nonviolent programs and activities.

Congressional Summary of HR 4529

Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act

This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to establish the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund for the deposit of income, gift, and estate taxes paid by or on behalf of taxpayers (1) who are designated conscientious objectors opposed to participation in war in any form based upon their sincerely held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs or training (within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act); and (2) who have certified their beliefs in writing.

Amounts deposited in the fund shall be allocated annually to any appropriation not for a military purpose. Treasury shall report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the total amount transferred into the fund during the preceding fiscal year and the purposes for which such amount was allocated. The privacy of individuals using the fund shall be protected.

Current Status of Bill HR 4529

Bill HR 4529 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 19, 2021. Bill HR 4529 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 19, 2021.  Bill HR 4529's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of July 19, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4529

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4529

Primary Policy Focus

Taxation

Potential Impact Areas

- Appropriations
- Conflicts and wars
- Congressional oversight
- Defense spending
- Religion
- Right of privacy
- Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4529

To affirm the religious freedom of taxpayers who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war, to provide that the income, estate, or gift tax payments of such taxpayers be used for nonmilitary purposes, to create the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments, to improve revenue collection, and for other purposes.
Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act
Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act

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