Section: American Government: Rights & Responsibilities

71. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

Official answer

  • • Required by law
  • • All people pay to fund the federal government
  • • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
  • • Civic duty

Why

Paying federal taxes is required by law and funds the federal government's work.

Answers verified against USCIS materials. Last checked 2026-07-17.

Official source: USCIS — 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025)