What are the drawbacks of doing this process?

The 12-411 process comes with some trade-offs that you should be fully aware of before proceeding. By legally opting out of paying the federal income tax by using 12 USC 411, you will lose the right to:

• Serve on a jury

• Vote in federal elections (presidential, congressional, etc.)

• Earn interest on bank accounts (since interest is considered taxable income under federal law)

• Be employed by the federal government (or receive a federal salary, pension, or benefits tied to taxpayer status)

• Move to Washington, D.C., or any other federal territories (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) These restrictions apply only at the federal level—you retain all rights to vote in state and local elections, own property, operate businesses, and participate in all other aspects of daily life outside of federal jurisdiction. Many people see this as a fair trade-off in exchange for permanently eliminating their income tax liability.