Death and Taxes: A Film about War Tax Resisters and Their Motivations

Twenty-eight people offer their motivations for --and methods-- of resisting the war machine with their tax money. This unnarrated film introduces viewers to war tax refusal and redirecting tax dollars to peace.

Most say it is a matter of conscience barring them from financially supporting war or other actions they find morally unacceptable. They explain that tax resistance can range from including a protest letter with full payment to withholding payment completely. Some of the resistors say they have taken on lifestyles that keep them below the legal threshold for taxable income. Others explain their drawn-out dealings with the IRS. A placard at one point explains that of the tens of thousands of tax resistors since World War II, fewer than 30 have been jailed. The combination of the speakers’ good humor and their apparent sincerity makes this film recommended for anyone interested in learning about using tax resistance as a method of protesting wars and war funding.

Music is by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Antibalas, Rude Mechanical Orchestra, and First Strike Theatre’s version of “Don’t Pay Taxes” by (our own Western MA singer) Charlie King.  Released in 2010 — timely until war ends!

Post-film discussion will include local war tax resisters including Northampton’s Frances Crowe.

Free and accessible.

The Resistance Film series is co-sponsored by The Resistance Center of Western MA and the Northampton Committee to Stop the Wars.