Protect Your Credit Union: A Tax on Credit Unions Is a Tax on You
March 12, 2025 | News
Announcements
Say no to new taxes—protect your credit union, protect your savings.
At MembersOwn, we are committed to putting you, our members, ahead of the bottom line. That commitment is possible because of the unique structure of credit unions as democratically operated, member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives. A critical piece of this structure is the federal income tax exemption granted to credit unions. While we are exempt from federal corporate income tax, credit unions still contribute billions through payroll taxes, state taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes and help drive economic growth, creating jobs and generating additional tax revenue.
Preserving this tax exemption is not just a priority for us; it’s essential for the financial well-being of over 140 million Americans and our communities.
Why This Matters Now
For nearly 90 years, Congress has recognized our role in serving the financial needs of communities, especially those often overlooked by traditional banks. Unlike banks, credit unions don’t answer to stockholders or prioritize short-term profits. Instead, we focus on you – our members.
As tax policy discussions heat up in Washington, D.C., it’s vital to remember that credit unions were granted tax-exempt status to provide safe, affordable financial services to everyone—a mission that remains unchanged. Instead of profits going to investors, credit unions reinvest earnings back into our members through:
- Lower loan interest rates
- Higher savings returns
- Fewer fees
- Financial education and community support
But now, some big bank lobbyists and politicians in Washington are working to change that. If credit unions were taxed like for-profit banks, it wouldn’t just be a tax on us—it would be a tax on you.
What’s at Stake?
If lawmakers remove the credit union tax exemption, it would lead to:
- Higher loan rates on cars, homes, and personal loans
- Lower savings returns, making it harder to grow your money
- More fees, reducing the affordability of financial services
Big banks want less competition so they can increase their own profits—and that means making it harder for credit unions to provide the affordable, people-first financial services you rely on.
Your Voice Matters—Take Action Today
Credit unions’ only tax exemption is the federal income tax on profits because those profits come right back to you, our members, as the credit union’s owners. As federal lawmakers consider tax reforms, it’s important they understand how eliminating the credit union federal income tax exemption would harm the very people they are elected to serve.
Lawmakers need to hear from real people—people like you—who benefit from the credit union difference.
Let your U.S. Representative and Senators know: Don’t Tax My Credit Union! It only takes a minute, but it makes a big impact.
Defending the credit union tax status is about protecting your financial future. As members of a cooperative, we stand stronger together. Let’s work to ensure our communities continue to thrive with the support of credit unions. Thank you for being part of the MembersOwn family.