United States Federal Budget - Major Receipt Categories

Major Receipt Categories

During FY 2012, CBO's preliminary estimates indicate the federal government collected approximately $2.45 trillion in tax revenue or 15.7% GDP, up $148B since 2011, with tax receipts rising across all major categories.

During FY 2011, the federal government collected approximately $2.3 trillion in tax revenue or 15.4% GDP. Primary receipt categories included individual income taxes (47%), Social Security/Social Insurance taxes (36%), and corporate taxes (8%). Other types included excise, estate and gift taxes.

Tax revenues averaged approximately 18.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) over the 1970-2009 period, generally ranging plus or minus 2% from that level. Tax revenues are significantly affected by the economy. Recessions typically reduce government tax collections as economic activity slows. For example, tax revenues declined from $2.5 trillion in 2008 to $2.1 trillion in 2009, and remained at that level in 2010. During 2009, individual income taxes declined 20%, while corporate taxes declined 50%. At 15.1% of GDP, the 2009 and 2010 collections were the lowest level of the past 50 years.

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