Civics Test Question 71: Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

A question from the 2025 civics test, with the answers USCIS publishes and our explanation.

Translation

Why is it important to pay federal taxes?为什么缴纳联邦税很重要？¿Por qué es importante pagar impuestos federales?

Official answers

Any one of these is correct.

Required by law法律要求Lo exige la ley
All people pay to fund the federal government所有人都出钱维持联邦政府运作Todos pagan para financiar el gobierno federal
Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)（美国）宪法要求（第十六修正案）Lo exige la Constitución (de EE. UU.) (Enmienda 16)
Civic duty公民义务Es un deber cívico

Explanation

Paying federal taxes is required by law; the 16th Amendment (1913) lets Congress collect income tax, and taxes fund the federal government.

Memory tip

💡 Required by law, and a civic duty.

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