Tax resistance, or the refusal to pay tax as a form of political protest, has a long history in the United States. Some protestors, for example, adjust their payroll withholding so they’re only paying part of what they owe. Others deliberately neglect to file tax returns or remit tax owed. But such actions are generally risky. They usually result in interest and civil penalties and may even lead to criminal penalties, including prison time. There’s one federal income tax resistance strategy that’s legal: earning less than the current standard deduction for your filing status ($15,750 for singles for 2025). Of course, limiting your income may have other consequences you’d prefer to avoid.
