General Tax System
Income and Earnings
Deductions, Credits, and Adjustments
Filing Status, Payroll Taxes, and Compliance
U.S. Tax Facts
100

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for collecting federal taxes.

Answer: True
Explanation: The IRS enforces tax laws and collects federal taxes.

100

Tips received by workers are taxable income.

Answer: True
Explanation: Tips must be reported as income.

100

A tax deduction reduces taxable income.

Answer: True
Explanation: Deductions lower the income subject to tax.

100

Filing status affects tax rates.

Answer: True
Explanation: Different statuses have different brackets.

100

Penalties increase the longer taxes go unpaid.

Answer: True
Explanation: Penalties and interest add up over time.

200

All taxes in the United States are collected by state governments.

Answer: False
Explanation: Federal, state, and local governments may all collect taxes.

200

Scholarships are always taxable.

Answer: False
Explanation: Many scholarships used for tuition are not taxable.

200

A tax credit directly reduces tax owed.

Answer: True
Explanation: Credits reduce the tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

200

Head of household status offers tax advantages.

Answer: True
Explanation: It often provides lower tax rates.

200

Dependents can include qualifying relatives.

Answer: True
Explanation: Dependents are not limited to children.

300

A tax refund means you paid too little tax.

Answer: False
Explanation: A refund means you overpaid during the year.

300

Income earned overseas by U.S. citizens may be taxable

Answer: True
Explanation: U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income.

300

Tax deductions are more valuable than tax credits.

Answer: False
Explanation: Credits usually provide greater benefit.

300

Self-employed workers pay both sides of payroll taxes.

Answer: True
Explanation: They pay the full self-employment tax.

300

Tax planning can be done year-round.

Answer: True
Explanation: Planning helps manage tax liability.

400

Tax laws are created by Congress.

Answer: True
Explanation: Congress passes tax legislation.

400

Cryptocurrency earnings may be taxable.

Answer: True
Explanation: Crypto transactions can create taxable income.

400

A deduction guarantees a refund.

Answer: False
Explanation: Refunds depend on total tax payments.

400

Withholding too much tax can lead to a refund.

Answer: True
Explanation: Overpayment results in refunds.

400

The IRS communicates only by email.

Answer: False
Explanation: Official notices are typically mailed.

500

Filing a tax return is the same as paying taxes.

Answer: False
Explanation: Filing reports income; payment depends on taxes owed.

500

Bartered goods or services can be taxable.

Answer: True
Explanation: Fair market value must be reported.

500

You must keep records to claim deductions.

Answer: True
Explanation: Documentation is required.

500

Paper tax returns are no longer accepted.

Answer: False
Explanation: Paper filing is still allowed.

500

Understanding taxes helps citizens make informed financial decisions.

Answer: True
Explanation: Tax knowledge supports financial responsibility.