Resource

What is Tax?

Why do we pay tax? How is it collected? And how is it used?

Overview

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes and learn how councils decide their budgets.

By the end of the lesson students will be able to:

  • Describe what tax is
  • Identify and evaluate different methods of collecting and allocating taxes
  • Analyse how councils make local spending decisions

This lesson forms part of our wider collection of Economic and Financial Literacy teaching resources.

Photo credit: Wavebreakmedia from Getty Images

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Two Brothers

In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Egyptian legend which tells of the love and care which two brothers showed for each other. In discussion, pupils will…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Design an Inclusive Playground

In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of the Go-Giver characters and design a playground that matches these requirements. They will work in groups to present…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Identities

In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of what is meant by the term ‘identity.’ They will explore their own sense of identity and share this with others, appreciating…

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Economic Cycles

This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Aimed at KS4 and...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

You Decide! (KS4)

This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?

The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Where do you stand?

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider topical issues related to their school life. Pupils will consider the strength of arguments for and against…

Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 2 – Negotiations

Through the example of Brexit talks, this lesson introduces pupils to the concept of negotiation and the skills required to succeed in negotiations. Activities are designed to give pupils the…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Fake News: The Evolution of Media

In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Cyberbullying (SmartLaw Subscription)

According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

The Economy Quiz

In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz...