Legislation introduced on March 12 by U.S. Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) would recognize the service and sacrifice of National Guard and Reserve members by ensuring the pay they receive for monthly drill weekends and required training is not subject to federal income tax.
“Members of the National Guard and Reserve answer the call to serve our country while balancing civilian careers and family responsibilities,” Rep. Barr said. “Ending federal taxes on a portion of their military pay will reward these patriots for their service to our country.”
Rep. Barr sponsored the No Tax on Drill Pay Act, H.R. 7897, alongside bill cosponsor Rep. Nunn to exempt federal income taxes on inactive duty training (IDT) pay earned by citizen-military members, who play a critical role in U.S. national defense while also responding to emergencies at home — including natural disasters, border security missions, and domestic crises.
“Our Guard members and Reservists serve on drill days, training deployments, and stand at the ready for our communities. Time away from families, jobs, and home,” Rep. Nunn said. “I hear from Iowa Guardsmen and their families about the financial strain that comes with that commitment, and this bill is a straightforward fix: exempt drill pay from federal income taxes so more of that money stays with the families who earned it.”
Under current law, National Guardsmen and Reservists must pay federal income taxes on compensation received for IDT, which typically includes one weekend of training per month and additional readiness activities throughout the year.
The National Guard Association of the United States, the Kentucky National Guard Association, the Kentucky State Senate Veterans, and several Kentucky state lawmakers endorsed the bill, which is under consideration by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
“The No Tax on Drill Pay Act will boost recruitment and retention, strengthen military readiness, and continue our commitment to treating our military better than any in the world,” added Rep. Barr.