Identifying Types of Taxes

Have you wondered how roads, schools, emergency services, and public programs are funded? In this worksheet, middle schoolers will learn about three common taxes: income tax, property tax, and sales tax. After reading brief definitions of each, students will read 10 short scenarios. Using context clues, they must identify which type of tax is being described.

This worksheet will help learners understand how local, state, and federal governments collect taxes and source funding for certain projects and programs. Knowing the context and function of income, property, and sales tax can provide background knowledge as young citizens eventually encounter each of these taxes. This will also build civic awareness as students learn how taxes are collected and used.