Why do they take federal taxes out of check?

Answer 1

It isn't just Federal taxes, it is most all. Because the amount of tax is due on the money earned, so it will need to be paid...and most people have no ability ordiscipline to put it aside to pay it. In fact, anyone wondering or thinking it is wrong to have withholding is probably someone who doesn't have the discipline. As if they did, they would realize if it wasn't taken out for them, they would have to take it out themselves and hold on to it in an account (it is effectively already spent), to have it when needed. Hence, withholding is a free service for them in both ease and actual expense of accounting/banking. If someone "needs" it to spend on current expenses or wants today...well that rather assures they are financially irresponsible or unthinking in this, as again, the money was spent when earned (on tax), and you can only spend it once! If they need it so much now, do you really think they won't need it and in fact can save that much extra to replace it along with what the tax they are continuing incur, so they can replace it before it is needed? Even disciplined people may make if not foolish poor investment with the money they set aside, and then not have it, or all of it, when needed. If you are self employed you must make estimated tax payments on your earnings, normally quarterly, once again to make sure it is available when you file your return. And of course, the jurisdictions getting it need it to spend through the year on all the things they provide too.