Americans are allowed to voluntarily contribute money to the U.S. Treasury’s “tax me more” fund. But not much money is being donated despite the false appeals to “patriotism” peddled by tax hikers.
In calling for tax increases, affluent Democrats and progressive activists try to assert that Americans opposed to such tax hikes are lacking in patriotism. The tax hikers go on to say that they wish the government would tax them — personally — at a higher level.
But when given the opportunity to set the example and send the IRS a completely voluntary extra tax donation, the data shows very little money is flowing in.
In a typical year, a grand nationwide total of just one to two million dollars in total donations arrives. See the numbers below:
2025: $1,069,380
2024: $2,785,755
2023: $1,044,392
2022: $1,056,184
2021: $1,345,045
2020: $1,132,908
2019: $5,520,230
2018: $684,646
2017: $2,323,162
2016 : $3,214,223
It would be very easy for these self-styled “patriots” to donate. They can simply go to Pay.gov and make the donation. Or pose with an oversized check written to the U.S. Treasury. Oddly enough they don’t do it.
Source: Americans for Tax Reform