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The Global Insight

Why is it an obligation to pay taxes?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on March 10, 2026

Paying your taxes is considered a civic duty, although doing so is also a requirement of the law. The money you pay in taxes goes to many places. In addition to paying the salaries of government workers, your tax dollars also help to support common resources, such as police and firefighters.

Is paying taxes a obligation?

The Law: The requirement to pay taxes is not voluntary. Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code clearly imposes a tax on the taxable income of individuals, estates, and trusts, as determined by the tables set forth in that section.

Who should I contact to understand all of my tax obligations?

Employees who are concerned that their employer is improperly withholding or failing to withhold federal income and employment taxes should report their employer by contacting the IRS at 800-829-1040.

What are some tax obligations?

Tax Obligation means a duty or obligation to pay all applicable taxes, interest, penalties and costs of collection. Tax Obligation means a total amount of the tax received (assessed) by the taxpayer during the accounting (tax) period, which amount has been determined pursuant to this Law.

How much money can you make a year and not pay taxes?

The amount that you have to make to not pay federal income tax depends on your age, filing status, your dependency on other taxpayers and your gross income. For example, in the year 2018, the maximum earning before paying taxes for a single person under the age of 65 was $12,000.

Can I refuse to pay federal income tax?

In general, it is illegal to deliberately refuse to pay one’s income taxes. Such conduct will give rise to the criminal offense known as, “tax evasion”. Tax evasion is defined as an action wherein an individual uses illegal means to intentionally defraud or avoid paying income taxes to the IRS.

How do I know if IRS is keeping my refund?

Call the FMS at 1-800-304-3107 to find out if your refund was reduced because of an offset. Call the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778 (or visit ) if you feel your refund was reduced in error. The service is free.

How do you calculate tax obligation?

Your taxable income minus your tax deductions equals your gross tax liability. Gross tax liability minus any tax credits you’re eligible for equals your total income tax liability.

What do you need to know about your tax obligations?

Ensure that details of all disposals are included on your income tax return.. You are obliged by law to maintain proper books and records. This will allow you to file your tax returns on an accurate and timely basis, and will avoid unnecessary interest and penalties.

What kind of taxes do I have to pay as an employee?

Understanding Employment Taxes 1 Federal Income Tax. Employers generally must withhold federal income tax from employees’ wages. 2 Social Security and Medicare Taxes. 3 Additional Medicare Tax. 4 Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax. 5 Self-Employment Tax. …

How are governments and taxpayers bound by law?

Thus, both taxpayers and tax administrations are bound by the Courts and their interpretation of the law and the Courts thereby protect the tax system and the taxpayer. In brief, governments and their agencies must act by laws and not decrees, and they must comply with the laws passed by parliament. Taxpayers must have legal certainty.

Do you have to pay taxes if you are self employed?

With that freedom, however, comes great tax responsibility. Private contractors and self-employed individuals must learn how their new employment status affects their tax filing, how much they pay in taxes and when they pay.