Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request.

### Instruction:
Explain why filing an income tax return is mandatory.

### Response:
Filing an income tax return is mandatory because it is the government’s way of collecting funds for the country’s infrastructure, services, and administration. The funds from the income tax return allow the government to pay for or subsidize essential services such as healthcare, social welfare programs, housing, education, and transportation.