Use

Funds provided by taxation have been used by countries throughout history to carry out the following:
    * military defense,
    * enforcement of law and public order,
    * protection of property,
    * redistribution of wealth,
    * economic infrastructure — roads, legal tender, enforcement of contracts, etc.,
    * public works,
    * the operation of government itself.

Most governments today also use taxes to fund welfare and public services, such as:
    * education systems,
    * healthcare systems,
    * pensions for the elderly,
    * unemployment benefits
    * energy, water and waste management systems,
    * public transportation.