While it would probably be a huge fib to say any of us really enjoy paying taxes, there are some very compelling reasons for the season of forms, headaches, filing and calculating. Whether you live in apartments in Phoenix or own a spread in Atlanta, taxes and what they pay for very much effect you.
If you’re among the millions of Americans who dread filling out IRS forms and worry that all of your money is going towards lots of wasteful projects, take a step back. Although it’s hard to deny the pork and waste in government budgets, there are also some very important things funded with our hard-earned dollars.
Where do my tax dollars go?
School funding – Between property taxes, income taxes and other forms of public funding, America’s public schools get the money they need to operate. Considered one of government’s most solemn duties, the educating of young Americans is responsible for billions of dollars in spending each year.
State and national defense – Our tax dollars are heavily used to fund law enforcement, civil defense and national defense. From military organizations to small, local police agencies, public services such as these are vital functions of government that rely on tax dollars to survive.
Roads and bridges – Federal funding, state funding and local funding are all used to help pay for America’s many transportation systems. Without our tax dollars for upkeep and maintenance, even a trip to the store would be an exercise in patience. The IRS is responsible for collecting dollars to fund major federal projects and even many on the state level. Local projects may also come out of the federal pot, but are also often funded by such things as sales and property tax on the state, county or city level.
Social projects – Public arts programs, senior programs and more all receive funding from the federal government. While some dispute the need for federal funding of public services such as these, many people the country over benefit from the diversity of projects that receive funding from tax dollars.
Historic preservation – The federal government is also known to use some of our tax dollars to help pay for preserving America’s history. From the nation’s historic park system to locations significant to the country’s founding, keeping the history preserved is an important function of the federal government.
From our school and court systems to our police and military agencies, there are some very compelling reasons why tax time shouldn’t be viewed with disdain. Those living in Phoenix apartments or houses will find tax dollars actually fund quite a few useful things.
{ 0 comments… add one now }