What term refers to charges imposed by governments to fund public goods and services?

The term that refers to charges imposed by governments to fund public goods and services is "Taxes." Taxes are mandatory financial charges levied on individuals or entities by the government to generate revenue, which is then used to support public services such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and national defense.

Taxes come in various forms, including income tax, property tax, sales tax, and corporate tax, among others. Each type serves a specific purpose in funding different aspects of government operations and public welfare. The concept of taxes is foundational to public finance and economic policy, as it directly influences both governmental capabilities and the economy at large.

On the other hand, fees may refer to payments for specific services rendered by the government, such as licensing fees or park entry fees, which are not comprehensive enough to cover the broader scope of public service funding. Duties typically refer to tariffs or taxes imposed on imported goods and are focused on international trade rather than general public goods. Assessments may imply evaluations or appraisals, particularly in property contexts, rather than direct contributions toward public funding. Thus, taxes are uniquely suitable for capturing the idea of contributions made by individuals and corporations toward the funding of society's collective needs.