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by Sunblynd 5.0 on October 21st, 2006

Sunblynd 5.0

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Can someone specify to me, where I can find or locate the law, in black and white, that requires American citizens to pay taxes? Such as Federal income tax, etc.

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  • by bugmann on October 21st, 2006

    bugmann

    http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Income_tax


    the 16th amendment of the constitution

    In 1913, the Sixteenth Amendment (http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.amendmentxvi.html) to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. It empowered Congress to tax "incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration." The Internal Revenue Code is today embodied as Title 26 of the United States Code ( 26 U.S.C.) and is a lineal descendant of the income tax act passed in 1913, following ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment. While some states do not have an income tax (Nevada), all residents and all citizens of the United States are subject to the federal income tax. Not everyone, however, must file a return. The requirements for filing are found in 26 U.S.C. § 6011. As the largest contributor, its purpose is to generate revenue for the federal budget. In 1985 for example, the government collected over $450 billion in income tax from a total of $742 billion in total internal revenue receipts. The funds collected are essential for the shaping and preservation of a free market economy.

    Some terms are essential in understanding income tax law. "Gross income" can be generaly defined as "all income from whatever source derived;" a more complete definition is found in 26 U.S.C. § 61. Other important definitions like "taxable income" and "adjusted gross income" can also be found in Chapter I of Title 26. These terms are not fixed nor should anyone be confident in understanding their true meaning after a cursory reading because their imputed definitions change with time. The Supreme Court, through case law, demonstrates the changing meaning of taxable income.

    Individuals are not the only ones required to file income tax returns. Corporations do as well. While they are subject to may of the same rules as are individual taxpayers, they are also covered by an intricate body of rules addressed to the peculiar problems of corporations.


    Retrieved from "http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Income_tax

    Comments

    • What is the distinction of a federal regulation and a federal law pertaining to requirement of paying taxes? Can federal courts rule upon federal rules and regulations? If so would this not violate the checks and balances between the judiciary branch and the executive branch?

      Anonymous

      by Anonymous on October 18th, 2008

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