The Amish believe in self-sufficiency and communal help within the order. Although they do pay most taxes, they are exempt from paying some federal and state taxes because of their religious beliefs.
Beliefs
Due to Biblical interpretation, the Amish believe in living apart from the outside world. Amish religious beliefs and practices are protected by U.S. laws, which include exemption from certain government programs and military duty.
Taxes
The Amish do pay federal, state, sales and real estate taxes. They are not required to pay into any tax system that is against their beliefs and correspondingly do not receive the benefits of these programs.
Social Security
The Amish believe in taking care of their own, and most are against insurance policies. They don't believe in Social Security because it is a form of insurance; thus, they are not required to pay into the program.
Medicare
Individuals within the Amish community are exempt from paying into Medicare as well. Like Social Security, Medicare is interpreted as a form of insurance.
Employment
The exception to paying into Medicare and Social Security is when an Amish individual is hired by an outside source, because employers are still required to withhold these taxes. Amish individuals who are hired within their community or are self-employed remain exempt.
Tags: Social Security, Amish believe, exempt from, exempt from paying, federal state, form insurance