Net Taxes

In economics, net taxes are taxes on production less subsidies received. Alternatively, net taxes are taxes paid to the government less transfer payments.

Let's assume that the United States collects $40 trillion in taxes this year and makes $39 trillion in transfer payments (entitlements, budgeted spending, etc.).

Net taxes are $40 trillion - $39 trillion = $1 trillion.

For governments, net taxes are a simple version of a checkbook balance. They measure the inflows and outflows of the government's tax activities. Note that net taxes do not directly or necessarily reflect monetary policy, Treasury activities, investment returns, or foreign trade issues.