Press Releases

Washington, D.C. -  Today, the VSO Equal Tax Treatment (VETT) Act, introduced in the House by Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) was reported out favorably from the House Ways and Means Committee. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would update a provision in the Federal tax code that currently prevents Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) from accepting tax-deductible donations unless they maintain a membership of at least 90 percent wartime veterans. Current rules exclude veterans who joined and served after the Vietnam War and prior to the Persian Gulf War in 1991 from being considered “wartime” veterans. 

"Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country receive vital support and a sense of community from VSOs. This legislation would help VSOs continue to serve the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform by making needed reforms to the tax code so VSOs can maintain their memberships and grow without having to risk losing their ability to receive tax-deductible charitable donations," said Rep. Wenstrup. "I am pleased to see this bill reported favorably by the Ways and Means Committee and look forward to a vote on the House floor."

“Due to their invaluable work for our veterans in our communities, our nation’s Veteran Service Organizations should not be deprived of potential benefits due to outdated classifications in our tax code,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I’m pleased that our bipartisan, commonsense legislation is moving forward so that charitable contributions to VSOs can be made tax deductible.  As a member of the Ways and Means Committee and proud veteran, I will continue my efforts to ensure that our federal tax code incentivizes and encourages Americans to support these organizations in their work to serve those who served our country.”

The VETT Act is endorsed by AMVETS, American Legion, AMSUS, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS, Fleet Reserve Association, Jewish War Veterans, Military Order of the World Wars, Non Commissioned Officers Association, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, and TREA: The Enlisted Association.

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