Workers Resist Taxes Amid Rising Costs and Distrust in Government

Tax resistance grows as workers seek to withhold funds from a system they oppose, despite legal risks.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:05am

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Tax resistance is gaining traction as workers push back against the government's military actions and policies, refusing to pay federal taxes as a form of protest. Many are motivated by rising costs, distrust in the Trump administration, and a desire to withhold funds from a system they view as corrupt. However, tax resistance comes with significant legal and financial risks, including tax liens, wage garnishment, property seizure, and even imprisonment.

Why it matters

The growing tax resistance movement reflects the frustration and exhaustion felt by many working-class and middle-class Americans who are struggling with the economic impacts of the Trump administration's policies. As public discontent becomes more visible, there are likely to be more resistance movements in the future as people seek creative ways to voice their opposition.

The details

Tax resistance involves various strategies, such as refusing to pay a small token amount, withholding a percentage equivalent to the federal budget used for war or military purposes, or refusing to pay all federal taxes. Workers are turning to tax resistance as a form of protest, but the decision comes with significant risks, including tax liens, wage garnishment, property seizure, fines, and even imprisonment. Tax professionals like Chelsey Abrams, a CPA in Baltimore, caution that while they understand the motivation behind tax resistance, the potential consequences can be severe, and workers need to carefully consider their risk tolerance.

  • In November 2025, an Instagram user known as The Foolish Preacher stated they were not paying federal taxes because 'the system is a scam'.
  • The Trump administration's policies and the war with Iran have contributed to rising food and gas costs, exacerbating the financial strain on workers.

The players

Chelsey Abrams

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) based in Baltimore, Maryland, who has over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and helping clients understand the tax implications of their financial decisions.

The Foolish Preacher

An Instagram user who has stated they are not paying federal taxes because 'the system is a scam'.

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What they’re saying

“Many of us are angry and frustrated by the U.S. government's military actions around the world, and it often seems as if there is not much we can do about it. War tax resistance is a powerful way to resist the state and oppose its harmful actions.”

— The Conscious Citizens, Instagram page

“I'm not paying federal taxes because the system is a scam.”

— The Foolish Preacher

“Repercussions? Who cares. I follow a different authority that is higher than any god or law the over-class can point to.”

— The Foolish Preacher

“Do what is it that you believe in. We are where we are today because someone stood up and did what they felt was right and change was made.”

— Chelsey Abrams, CPA

What’s next

The IRS and federal authorities will likely continue to pursue legal action against individuals who refuse to pay their taxes, potentially leading to further escalation of the tax resistance movement.

The takeaway

The growing tax resistance movement highlights the deep frustration and distrust many Americans feel towards the government, particularly the Trump administration's policies. While tax resistance may be a powerful form of protest, the significant legal and financial risks involved make it a high-stakes decision for workers already struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.