How does a country raise funds for her budget. I have heard a lot of countries talked about trillions of dollars for budget and at the same time, they keep telling the people that they are indebted to IMF, World Bank and some other neighbouring countries.
How does a country raise money to fund her budget?
There are thee main ways for a country to raise funds.
1. Direct tax (Small amount):
It is what we, the common people pay as an income tax. Which is not a very huge or noticeable amount but it is one of the ways to raise funds for a country.
2. Indirect tax (major amount):
This is the major income for the government. There are many indirect tax systems like production tax, sales tax, consumer tax or road tax etc. There are many other types of indirect taxes which makes up for a huge percentage of a country's income.
3. Debt from IMF/World bank or other countries (major amount):
This is project specific. If a government want to undertake a huge infrastructural development activity like building a dam or a cross-country road or a bridge or a metro line etc. IMF and world bank funds such projects. Sometimes other countries also fund such activities in exchange of some favorable terms.
Hope this helps!