All 128 questions · American Government / C: Rights and Responsibilities

2025 Civics Test · Question 71 of 128

Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

En español: ¿Por qué es importante pagar los impuestos federales? — ver en español

Try to answer out loud first — then check

Accepted answers (USCIS M-1778)

  • Required by law
  • All people pay to fund the federal government
  • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
  • Civic duty
Why this is the answerTaxes are what the government runs on — roads, the military, courts, benefits. The 16th Amendment made the income tax constitutional, so it is a legal duty, not a choice.
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In the Naturalizer app, this question is taught inside “The promise” — the rights and responsibilities that come with being an American. On the real test, an officer asks up to 20 of the 128 questions out loud; 12 correct answers pass.

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