Virginia Tax Breaks Could Be Lost For Confederate Group
Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation that would eliminate long-standing Virginia tax breaks for a group tied to Confederate monuments if signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. The bills aim to remove the tax exemptions enjoyed for over 70 years by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and related groups.
The United Daughters of the Confederacy, known for erecting many Confederate statues across the US, currently benefits from property and recordation tax exemptions in Virginia dating back to 1950. This has allowed the group valued at over $4.4 million to avoid paying an estimated $50,000 in annual property taxes to the city of Richmond. Supporters of the bills argue that continuing these Virginia tax breaks amounts to state subsidies for Confederate legacy groups that are out of step with modern values.
Impact of Losing Tax Benefits
Losing the tax exemptions could significantly impact the United Daughters of the Confederacy’s finances and operations. The group claims the Virginia tax breaks help fund charitable work assisting veterans organizations. However, critics say the nonprofit has long promoted the false “Lost Cause” narrative downplaying slavery’s role in the Civil War and erected monuments instilling fear in marginalized communities. If signed by Governor Youngkin, the bills would end the controversial Virginia tax breaks while also removing similar exemptions for two other related Confederate heritage organizations.
The legislation has advanced through the Democratic-led legislature with party-line support but little debate. Governor Youngkin has not yet stated a position on the bills that would eliminate the long-standing Virginia tax breaks. He will now decide whether to sign the measures into law or let them become law without his signature. The United Daughters of the Confederacy declined to comment on potentially losing their beneficial Virginia tax breaks after over 70 years.
