Bill to waive excise taxes for Veterans vehicles imported introduced

A bill pending in the House of Representatives would create a new provision within Title 11, Chapter 10, Excise Tax on Imports.

The proposed measure would allow retired military veterans and 100% service-connected veterans of the United States Armed Services to import motor vehicles into American Samoa without paying taxes on these vehicles.

According to the bill, American Samoa's retired military veterans and 100% service-connected veterans of the United States Armed Services have paid a heavy price and have served the people of American Samoa and the United States of America with faithful service.

According to the bill, the public has significantly benefited from the assistance of these veterans, and often, these veterans are not adequately compensated for their services. Imposing the tax for vehicles imported by veterans can pose a hardship for retired and 100% service-connected veterans; however, exempting veterans from paying the tax for one car would not substantially affect the territory’s revenues.

The retired military and 100% service-connected veterans contribute significantly to the economic development and income generation of American Samoa.

This exemption applies to imported motor vehicles, motor bicycles, and automobiles, trucks or vans that have been sold, given, or donated to a retired military or 100 service-connected veterans of the armed services.