What is generally defined as a user fee?

A user fee is specifically a charge levied to access a particular service or benefit. This payment is made by individuals or organizations in exchange for the use of certain public services or facilities, such as parks, public transportation, or utilities. The key characteristic of a user fee is that it directly relates to the consumption of a service; those who utilize the service are the ones who pay for it. This distinguishes user fees from broader tax structures, which are intended to fund general government functions and are not tied to specific individual benefits or services. In contrast, taxes based on income or property do not provide a direct quid pro quo for a service received, while a penalty for late payments is a consequence of not adhering to financial obligations rather than a fee for service utilization.