Taxes are compulsory financial charges or levies imposed by a government on individuals and businesses to fund public expenditures and services. They are essential for maintaining the infrastructure, education systems, healthcare, and other public amenities. Taxes can take various forms, such as income tax, sales tax, property tax, and corporate tax. By redistributing resources, taxes aim to promote economic stability, equity, and growth within a society, ensuring the functioning of government operations and welfare systems.