Responsibility and Taxes

Taxes are utilized in a lot of different ways at the local, state, and federal levels. Understanding taxes will help people maintain budgets and make responsible financial decisions, therefore practicing good citizenship.

Grade Level: 9-12

Character Skills

Responsibility
Good Citizenship

SEL Skills

Responsible Decision-Making

Academic Skills

Critical and Creative Thinking
Curiosity and Passion

Definitions

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
Persevere. Keep on trying.
Be self-disciplined.
Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.

Good Citizenship

Do your share to make your home, school, and community better.
Cooperate.
Stay informed. Vote.
Be a good neighbor.
Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.
Protect the environment.

Responsible Decision-Making

Make decisions based on rationality, ethics, and effectiveness.

Creative and Critical Thinking

Acquire, remember, understand, and apply knowledge.

Curiosity and Passion

Enthusiastic to understand more about themselves, others, and the world around them.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.

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Students will introduce artificial intelligence and its presence within technology, while also considering how to use it in a trustworthy and character-driven way.

Materials/Preparation

“What Taxes are For” lesson plan
- How Pay Gets Taxed activity sheet (included within lesson plan)
- Talking About Taxes family activity sheet (included within lesson plan)
Pencils and paper

Instructions

Explore the use of taxes with your students using the “What Taxes are For” lesson from Wells Fargo’s Hands on Banking curriculum.

Discussion Prompts

How does paying taxes contribute to being a good citizen?
What are taxes used for in your community?
You are required by law to pay taxes. How do taxes impact your monthly budget?
How can you make responsible financial decisions, knowing that you have to pay taxes?

Family Connection

Understanding taxes displays two of the Six Pillars of Character: responsibility and citizenship. Responsibility is shown by budgeting for taxes being held. Good citizenship is displayed by recognizing how taxes are applied to meet the needs of a community.

At home, talk with your child about taxes and the different things they apply to. For example, show them a pay stub and point out how the taxes are taken out. As they start to get their first jobs, talk with them about filling out tax forms and how to read their own pay stub. You also may consider discussing taxes in conversations around budgeting. If your child gets an allowance or has a job, talk with them about how they can budget for expenses, including taxes. Additionally, discuss with them how taxes are used to meet specific needs in your local community (such as road construction, libraries, government processes, etc.).