State and Local Taxes. Page Content. Ever since the beginning of our history, the states have maintained the right to impose taxes. The Federal Government has always recognized this right. When our Constitution was adopted, the Federal Government was granted the authority to impose taxes. The states, however, retained the right to impose any type of tax except those taxes that are clearly forbidden by the United States Constitution and their own state constitution. Today, the states acquire the necessary revenue to maintain their governments through tax collection, fees, and licenses.