Cost to Taxpayers

Credit unions’ federal tax exemption costs the U.S. more than $3.1 billion per year. Without reporting requirements holding them accountable to their mission, it remains unclear what exactly taxpayers get in return.

Expert Views

Josh Daniels, Libertas Institute

“If Congress wants to make the tax system fairer, lawmakers should focus on unfair tax advantages and loopholes received by certain businesses and industries. To see the most blatant example of one special interest receiving preferential treatment through the tax code, look no further than the ridiculous charity status that allows big credit unions to make millions of dollars without paying a dime in taxes.”

— Deseret News, 2017

Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Manhattan Institute

“Credit unions were originally given tax-exempt status so that they would service lower-income individuals. The situation has now changed, and the tax law should change with it. As Congress proceeds with tax reform, members should consider uprooting this outdated exemption and no longer picking winners and losers. Taxpayers should not have to subsidize a credit union’s name on a stadium, or people’s purchases of aircraft and boats.”

— U.S. News, 2017

Brandon Arnold, National Taxpayers Union

“Congress could review the tax exemption currently provided to all credit unions, bearing in mind there are now 281 credit unions that hold over $1 billion in assets or more. Congress should examine whether this exemption should be phased down or capped, while at the same time helping to create a more navigable regulatory on-ramp that would make it easier for such entities to charter themselves as banks.”

— National Taxpayers Union, 2017

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Large Credit Unions’ Abuse of Their Tax Exemption

Recent News and Insights

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February 22, 2016

Credit Union Officials Avoid Hotel Tax

Through intensive lobbying efforts, in addition to lobbying to maintain the tax exemption status, credit unions officials attending the Credit Union National Association’s Government Affairs Conference Hundreds have convinced Congress that they should also not have to pay the D.C. hotel occupancy tax of 14.5 percent.

Cost to Taxpayers

Expert Views

Large Credit Unions’ Abuse of Their Tax Exemption

Recent News and Insights

Credit Union Officials Avoid Hotel Tax

See the impact on taxes in your state.

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