Taxation involves regulation from the federal government to the local school district. Each governmental entity imposes some type of taxation requirement in order to raise the revenue required to fulfill its governmental function.

A tax is a charge by the government on the income of an individual, corporation or trust, as well as the value of an estate or gift. The objective in assessing tax is to generate revenue to be used for the needs of the public. A tax is not a voluntary payment but an enforced contribution exacted pursuant to legislative authority.

The Internal Revenue Code is the body of law that codifies all federal tax laws, such as income, estate, gift and excise taxes. Such laws comprise Title 26 of the U.S. Code and are implemented by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The IRS is responsible for administering and enforcing the internal revenue laws. It is part of the Department of the Treasury. Basic IRS activities include providing taxpayer service and education; determination, assessment and collection of internal revenue taxes; determination of pension plan qualifications and exempt organization status; and preparation and issuance of rulings and regulations to interpret the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.