A household preparedness tax deduction would strengthen Finland's defense readiness

Finland tells citizens to prepare for danger, yet the state is not encouraging one of the most direct forms of preparedness: reservists buying their own equipment.

The idea appeared in the government program as a review of tax deductions for equipment, supplies and weapons suitable for military use. An active reservist can spend several thousand euros on maintaining operational readiness. The Defense Ministry supported the idea, but the Finance Ministry rejected it, citing administrative problems, tax-system principles and the view that active reservists would probably buy the equipment anyway.

That reasoning was weak in 2024 and, in the authors' view, is untenable in autumn 2026. They propose a so-called household preparedness deduction modeled on the household tax deduction. Ideally, people would receive the deduction as soon as they made the purchases, so preparedness could begin while weather remained reasonably favorable. The article warns that the good weather has already passed and a storm is rising.

The deduction could cover crisis-use equipment for reservists, including helmets and combat uniforms, as well as other preparedness-related purchases. The authors say the boundaries can be designed and that a simple model would be best. If the deduction remained moderate, its cost to public finances would be small while still providing citizens with a meaningful incentive.

The article stresses that personal preparation matters in a country with a large reserve army. In exceptional circumstances, there may not be enough quality equipment to distribute to everyone. Many reservists train in their free time, sometimes putting exercises ahead of family and other commitments, while some also serve as unpaid volunteer instructors.

The authors assign political responsibility for the Finance Ministry's decision to Minister Riikka Purra and say it should be judged against the Finns Party's strong defense rhetoric. Their conclusion is direct: if Finns spend their own money to improve national defense readiness, the state should encourage them.