General Idea of Taxes and The Need To Pay Them

Each and every nation has one thing in common - the imposition of tax payments for their citizens. This is for the nation to move forward. These are the fees being charged by the government to individuals and businesses. But no matter how strict the government is in implementing tax, there are still some people who won't pay. What are the consequences of this?

CRIMINAL CHARGES - Criminal charges may be filed against him when one refuses or failed to file his income tax. These criminal charges may result in imprisonment plus fines or fines alone. If a person is unable to file for income tax for one year, he or she will be fined $25,000 per year of non-payment and will be imprisonment for one year. This is according to the US law.

LIMITED GOVERNMENT FUNDS - It will still matter greatly for the country's growth and development even if the money you will be paying as taxes to the government may seem small compared to its overall standing. Thus, a person who does not pay his taxes is, in essence, taking something away from the government and from the people.

When people pay their taxes, the following are the most important benefits they and the nation itself enjoy :

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Part of your taxes will be spent to provide defense and security to its people. In the United States, however, defense and security cover not only the US but the entire global community. For example, the government is sending thousands of troops all over the world to maintain world peace and these troops require billions of dollars to carry out their tasks.

MAINTENANCE

Another use of taxes is to maintain the roadways, buildings, and architectural structures owned by the government. Many roads across the country are being fixed and government buildings all over the country are also being renovated, and furnished for the benefit of the citizens of the country.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Twenty percent of the government's budget goes to social security which covers retirement benefits, benefits for spouses of deceased workers, disability benefits, and child survivor benefits. For social security to continue serving the people of the country, it requires billions of dollars.

Knowing your taxes, understanding what they are and paying them are all part of being a responsible citizen. We owe it not only to our country but we owe it to ourselves to pay our taxes.