Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

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

Our explanation

Federal taxes are money that pays for the national government’s work. Everyone living in the U.S. must pay them. They are required by law and the 16th Amendment. Paying is also a civic duty: something every community member should do.

Remember it

“Required by law” and “Civic duty” also answer the Selective Service question.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 35; M-1778 answer list (16th Amendment). Quote (p. 35): “it is the law that everyone living in the United States must pay income taxes.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

• 72It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.