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The Daily Insight

Is there really no law to pay taxes?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Apr 08, 2026

The Law: The requirement to pay taxes is not voluntary. Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code clearly imposes a tax on the taxable income of individuals, estates, and trusts, as determined by the tables set forth in that section.

Which states don’t require state tax?

Nine states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming — have no income taxes. New Hampshire, however, taxes interest and dividends, according to the Tax Foundation. (Tennessee eliminated its tax on investment income in 2021.)

Does the Constitution create the power for the state to tax?

Kinds of Taxes Permitted By the terms of the Constitution, the power of Congress to levy taxes is subject to but one exception and two qualifications. Articles exported from any State may not be taxed at all. Direct taxes must be levied by the rule of apportionment and indirect taxes by the rule of uniformity.

Why is taxation an inherent power of the state?

It is inherent in sovereignty – the power of taxation exists independent of any legislation. There is no need to enact a law to exercise that power because that power springs at the moment you have the existence of the state. This is inherent because this is based on necessity. Taxation is the life-blood of government.

Which source of power does a state or federal government use to collect taxes?

General Constitutional Authorization In the United States, Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.

Are there different tax laws in different states?

Tax rules and regulations at the state level provide no relief, riddled as they are with strange fees and exemptions, some of them decades out of date. Every state has odd and sometimes unbelievable state tax laws — including a number of regulations that could save consumers money.

What kind of candy is not taxed in Illinois?

In Illinois, Twix bars aren’t taxed because they are made with flour, so they don’t meet the state’s definition of candy. Other Mars candy bars such as Snickers, though, are taxed, because they contain no flour. Similar laws are on the books in Washington, Colorado, and Connecticut.

When do you have to keep tax records?

Generally, you must keep your records that support an item of income, deduction or credit shown on your tax return until the period of limitations for that tax return runs out.

Are there any states that have no sales tax?

The Constitution State promotes public safety through its tax code by making numerous items tax exempt. Bicycle helmets, child car seats, firearm safety items like trigger locks and lock boxes all qualify as tax exempt. Delaware is one of five states with no sales tax.