To which governmental levels does the power to tax belong?

The power to tax is held at multiple levels of government in the United States, specifically by federal, state, and local governments. Each level has the authority to impose taxes for its respective purposes.

At the federal level, the government collects income taxes, payroll taxes, and various other types of taxes to fund national programs and services. State governments have the power to levy taxes such as sales tax, property tax, and income tax to finance state-specific services such as education, transportation, and healthcare. Local governments, such as counties and municipalities, also impose taxes like property taxes and local sales taxes to support community services such as public safety, infrastructure, and local schools.

This division of taxing power creates a diversified revenue system that allows different levels of government to support various public needs, ensuring that essential services are funded appropriately across the board. Consequently, the inclusion of all three levels of government in the power to tax is crucial for maintaining the functionality of governmental operations at varying scales.