# Plain Language Summary: Religious Exemptions for Social Security and Healthcare Taxes Act

This bill would allow certain employees to get back the Social Security and Medicare taxes that are taken out of their paychecks if their religious beliefs oppose participating in these government insurance programs. Currently, almost all workers are required to pay these taxes, which come out automatically from each paycheck. Under this bill, people from specific religious faiths that have long-standing objections to government insurance could apply for an exemption and receive a refund or tax credit for the money they've already paid into these programs.

The bill specifically references existing rules that already allow self-employed people from certain religious communities (like some Amish and Mennonite groups) to opt out of Social Security. This bill would extend similar protections to regular employees working for employers. If someone qualifies for this exemption, they could get back the Social Security and Medicare taxes their employer deducted from their wages during the year. The process would involve filing an application to get authorization for the exemption, similar to how the current self-employed exemption works.

It's important to note that this would only apply to people whose religious faith genuinely opposes participation in these insurance programs, not just anyone who doesn't want to pay taxes. The bill would use the same strict standards that currently exist for self-employed religious workers. If passed, the exemption would take effect for tax years after the bill becomes law, meaning people could start applying and receiving refunds in future years.

Religious Exemptions for Social Security and Healthcare Taxes Act

Balderson, Troy

<html><body>Religious Exemptions for Social Security and Healthcare Taxes ActThis bill allows taxpayers who have a religious objection to participation in the Social Security system a credit or refund of employment taxes deducted to fund benefits under such system.</body></html>