Common myth: the Amish don't pay taxes. Reality: they pay almost all.
What They Pay
Income tax (federal + state). Property tax. Sales tax (if selling goods). Fuel excise. School tax (even though children attend their own school, not public).
What They DON'T Pay
Social Security and Medicare — since 1965, by law. The Amish consider government insurance sinful (community should care for its own, not the state). In return they DON'T receive: pension, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment, food stamps.
How It Works
An Amish person files a tax return like everyone. Indicates IRS Form 4029 (SS exemption). Pays everything else in full. Penalty for non-payment — same as for everyone. The Amish don't evade — that's a sin.
Paradox
The Amish fund public schools through taxes but don't send children there. Fund the military through taxes but don't serve. Fund roads but drive buggies. They pay — but don't use. Net payers, not recipients.