What is the maximum term for a special tax?

• A. 5 years
• B. 40 years
• C. 60 years
• D. 20 years

Answer: (B)

Special taxes are allowed only for a defined period under the law. The idea is to fund specific needs for a set stretch of time and then require review or renewal, so taxpayers aren’t taxed indefinitely. When a question asks for the maximum term, you’re looking for the longest duration that the law permits for that tax. That longest duration is the one that best represents the upper limit of how long the tax can stay in place without reauthorization. The shorter options would end sooner and therefore do not reflect the maximum allowed by statute. In short, the correct choice is the option that represents the longest allowable term, balancing the need to fund long-term projects with the requirement to sunset or reauthorize taxes periodically.