Should Highschoolers Learn About Taxes? (Hint: Yes!)

By: Ava Saunders

Most of us have spent years in school solving equations we'll probably never use again. But when it comes to something we’ll definitely deal with for the rest of our lives- like taxes-we're left in the dark.

If taxes are a reality for every working adult, why aren’t we learning about them in high school?

Taxes Are Already Part of Teen Life

Whether you’re working at a summer job, selling art on Instagram, tutoring, or even starting a small business, you're already stepping into the world of income, and with income comes taxes. But most students don’t know what to do when they receive a T4 slip, notice deductions on a pay stub, or are asked to file a return. All of which can lead to confusion, lost money, or worse- avoiding taxes entirely out of fear or frustration.

Schools Need To Make It Mandatory

We’re taught how to read Shakespeare and calculate sine curves, but somehow we skip over how to file a basic tax return.

If high school included even one short unit on taxes, students would graduate with:

• A better understanding of how income and deductions work

• Confidence to file a simple return

• Where their tax money goes

• Awareness of credits and refunds they may qualify for

• Financial independence

  
  

Financial Confidence

When students understand how taxes work, they’re more likely to:

• Budget wisely

• Save early

• File on time

• Avoid financial mistakes

• Ask questions without embarrassment

So.. Should Highschoolers Learn About Taxes?

If we want to raise financially literate, empowered young adults, we need to stop leaving taxes out of the curriculum. It’s not boring- it’s basic life prep.