Federal taxes are mandatory payments made by individuals and businesses to the U.S. government. These taxes help fund various public services, including education, infrastructure, and national defense. The amount of federal tax owed is typically based on income, with higher earners paying a larger percentage. The primary types of federal taxes include income tax, payroll tax, and corporate tax. Income tax is collected from individuals based on their earnings, while payroll tax funds programs like Social Security and Medicare. Corporate tax is levied on the profits of businesses, contributing to the overall revenue of the federal government.