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, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Challenging Stereotypes

This lesson is divided into two parts. In the first section of the lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the term ‘stereotype’, identify examples of stereotypical opinions and discuss…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Democracy?

This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

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

Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear

A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson,...

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

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

Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…

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

What is Tax?

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...

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...

More Politics and Democracy resources

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

What is a Digital Citizen?

In the delivery of this resource your students will explore what is meant by the term ‘digital citizen’. They...

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

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government

This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

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

Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

The Big Legal Lesson 2025 (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.

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

What is Media Bias?

During this lesson students explore what bias within the media is and how it differs from fake news. They...