Exempting U.S. Service Members from Federal Income Taxes: A Step Toward Financial Stability and Stronger Recruitment
The Department of Defense (DOD) has long struggled with recruiting and retaining service members, a challenge that continues to grow as enlistment numbers fall. Among the root causes is financial insecurity, which impacts service members and their families disproportionately. My proposal is both simple and impactful: exempt active-duty service members from federal income taxes. This change would provide immediate financial relief, improve quality of life for military families, and serve as a meaningful step toward addressing the military’s recruitment and retention crisis.
A Modest Proposal: Federal Income Tax Exemption for Service Members
Currently, some states exempt active-duty service members from state income taxes. Extending this exemption to the federal level would offer military families a significant financial boost. Service members would keep more of their income, enabling them to better provide for their families and achieve greater financial stability. Importantly, this proposal would not change any existing benefits or programs—they would continue to receive the support they rely on today.
Financial Impact: Minimal Cost, Major Benefits
One concern is the potential impact on the federal budget. However, the numbers tell a different story:
• Service members contribute approximately $10 billion annually in federal income taxes.
• Total annual U.S. federal revenue is approximately $4 trillion.
• Service members’ contributions account for less than 0.3% of the total federal budget.
While the government would forego this modest amount, the benefit to military families would be profound. For the federal government, this cost represents a small investment in the financial well-being of the men and women who serve our country.
Recruitment and Retention: A Needed Solution
The recruitment crisis facing the DOD is complex, but this policy could provide much-needed relief. Military pay, particularly for junior enlisted personnel, has long been a contentious issue, with no clear consensus on how to address it. Exempting federal income taxes offers an immediate and tangible solution that directly impacts service members’ take-home pay.
For example:
• Enlisted personnel (E1–E5) and junior officers (O1–O3) could take home an additional $150–$300 per paycheck.
• For military families living paycheck to paycheck, this extra income could make a meaningful difference, easing financial strain and making military service a more attractive career choice.
This proposal won’t solve the recruitment crisis entirely, but it would alleviate a key pressure point and help retain current service members while attracting new ones.
Social Security: A Necessary Compromise?
One area that requires further discussion is Social Security. Service members currently contribute approximately $6.7 billion annually to the system, matched by an equal contribution from the DOD. Eliminating these contributions would reduce Social Security’s annual income by $13 billion while still obligating the government to pay benefits upon retirement. Without adjustments, this could create long-term financial challenges for the system.
A potential compromise would be to continue requiring Social Security contributions while exempting federal income taxes. This approach would balance immediate financial relief for service members with the need to maintain the sustainability of Social Security. Alternatively, service members could stop contributing all together while the DOD pays the entire amount ensuring their future benefits without burdening the system indefinitely. This compromise would look something like what is listed below.
To put the numbers in perspective:
• Social Security contributions from service members and the DOD total $14 billion annually.
• The average lifetime payout per retiree is approximately $500,000.
• Covering all service members’ Social Security benefits could cost an estimated $1.05 trillion over several decades.
(This final figure represents all service members remaining in service for their entire career and only being in the service. )
While this figure may seem significant, adjustments to the DOD budget or other federal programs could offset the cost without increasing the burden on the average taxpayer. This flexibility allows for creative solutions that align with the goal of supporting military families.
Conclusion: Recognizing and Rewarding Sacrifice
Exempting service members from federal income taxes is more than a financial policy—it’s a demonstration of the nation’s gratitude and respect for those who serve. By taking this step, the government can provide service members with greater financial stability, alleviate recruitment and retention challenges, and ensure military families feel supported and valued.
This proposal represents a modest cost to the federal budget but a profound investment in the well-being of those who protect our nation. By implementing this change, we acknowledge the sacrifices made by service members and their families while taking a significant step toward building a stronger, more sustainable military force.