How Much Of Income Taxes Pays For Schools?

A portion of the income tax for school costs comes from the federal level. The amount of income taxes that a person pays in federal taxes pays for the general appropriations of the United States. This includes the maintenance of roads and bridges, defense spending, and provide grant and loan programs for certain agencies and departments of the federal government. Funding of the Department of Education, which is part of the federal government, provides funding used to pay for schools.

Ad Valorem Taxes

Taxes that pay for schools are generally ad valorem or property taxes that are levied by a municipality or other local taxing authority with powers over schools. Schools are seen as a local concern and are typically funded with property values. Federal dollars that are used for school districts are usually small subsidies. For example, the most common subsidy pays for school lunches (which are funded by the USDA) and initiatives mandated by law such as the No Child Left Behind Act.

Determining Tax Percentage for Schools

To determine the amount of taxes in your community, which provides more of the direct support that goes to fund schools, go to the county or city website where you live. They can provide information that is readily available about school funding amounts.