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SALT LAKE CITY — A group of mustachioed Americans is seeking a tax break to offset the costs of maintaining their facial hair.
If passed by Congress, the Stimulus to Allow Critical Hair Expenses — STACHE — Act would provide a $250 tax refund to anyone with hair care expenses.
The group based its justification for the proposal on research by Dr. John Yeutter, a professor of accounting and tax policy at Northeastern State University.
Yeutter's 2010 white paper, "Mustached Americans And The Triple Bottom Line," argued that mustache-wearers contribute to society economically — by buying haircare products — and environmentally — by using less water than society's shavers.
Facetious at times, Yeutter claims the costs of being mustached include purchasing "little black books and jumbo packages of kielbasa sausage."
Kidding aside, though, he believes Americans with mustaches make contributions to society deserving of financial compensation.
"The grooming habits of Mustached Americans are a clear example of financial, social and environmental responsibility," Yeutter wrote. "It is appropriate that Congress allow a limited deduction to people of Mustached American heritage in recognition of the value that their lifestyle provides to the economy, to society, and to the environment."
Although the paper refers specifically to mustached Americans, the tax break would apply to anyone who spends a significant amount on haircare products annually and itemizes their deductions.
The grooming habits of Mustached Americans are a clear example of financial, social and environmental responsibility.
–John Yeutter
The act does not yet have a sponsor in Congress. Tax giant H&R Block has come out in support of the STACHE Act, though.
"We're very serious that Americans should never settle for less when it comes to getting the tax deductions they're entitled to," said Scott Gulbransen, director of social media at H&R Block.
The company is supporting the act by making charitable contributions for every participant in the campaign to Millions From One, an organization that provides clean drinking water to people who cannot otherwise obtain it.
Participants in the campaign will be those who participate in the Million Mustache March that will be held April 1 in Washington, D.C. Mustached men and other participants will march from the Capitol to the White House to raise awareness for the act and funds for charity.
Aaron Perlut founded the American Mustache Institute in 2006. Until this year, the organizations largest annual event has been the Stache bash, an event held around Halloween that celebrates the Mustache culture. The institute also gives out an annual Mustached American of the Year award. All events raise money for charity.
The institute is appealing to Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md, and Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., to sponsor the bill. Hoeven is the only senator with facial hair.
It may be a hairy proposition for budget-trimming lawmakers who may buck at the thought of an additional tax break in the face of demands for tax reform, however.. The AMI hopes to call attention to its cause, though, calling the STACHE Act "the most important movement in the history of movements."
