A couple of points:
EVERYONE should pay federal income taxes. Even people on welfare, SSA, unemployment, whatever. Even if it's only a couple of percent. And there should be NO refunds of taxes not paid (EITC). Paying taxes ensures that everyone is vested and should ensure that everyone gives a shit.
Second, there is a guideline to how Federal spending could be logically curtailed. That guideline, interestingly enough, is the UNITED STATES (*******) CONSTITUTION! Everything that Congress has the legitimate power to do is contained in Article I, Section 8. All other government expenditures are, by definition, unconstitutional and should be eliminated.
Third, there is a philosophy for government expenditures that every MPA preaches but is never used in practice: Zero Based Budgeting. Under ZBB, every expenditure, agency, and person in Government should be viewed during each budget period to determine whether their function is still required. If not, GONZO!
In sum, very few people resent paying taxes for the government functions that they believe are legitimate, and legitimacy for our purposes should be the clear meaning of the Constitution. Every spending program that is not based on a legitimate power of Congress is illegal and should be eliminated.
First stop: the Department of Education. Totally unconstitutional.