Taxpayer
Candlefocus EditorIndividual taxpayers are obligated to pay taxes on their wage, salary and other sources of income, such as rental income, capital gains, dividends, and royalties. Business taxpayers owe taxes on income generated from their business operations, profits, and gains or losses on assets. Taxpayers also contribute to various fees and duties to the government, such as excise taxes and value-added taxes.
Income taxes are the most common form of taxation for direct payments from taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service assesses a variety of taxes from taxpayers including the Income Tax, Self-Employment Tax, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). These taxes are calculated based on the taxpayer's filing status and income level. Other forms of taxes may also be charged, such as payroll taxes, which employers must withhold from their employees' wages.
Businesses are also required to pay taxes to the federal, state, and local governments. These taxes can include income taxes, sales taxes, corporate taxes, and payroll taxes. Businesses must pay taxes on their profits, as well as on the income of their employees. Additionally, businesses must collect and remit sales taxes on all goods and services they sell.
In many countries, there are provisions to reduce or negate the amount of taxes a taxpayer may owe. These provisions include deductions, credits, and exemptions, which can lower the amount of taxes a taxpayer owes. Taxpayers can also rely on various tax-related laws and regulations to reduce their tax burdens.
Taxpayers are a critical part of any government. While taxes can be seen as a burden, it is important to remember that taxes help fund critical government services and investments, such as education, infrastructure, and public health. As such, filing taxes and paying taxes on time is an essential responsibility for all taxpayers.