Every year, millions of high school students like you hit the streets looking for summer employment. When their first check or pay stub comes in, many of them are shocked to discover the large amount of money that is missing. This money was not misplaced by your employer; it was taken out by the government as an income tax. Taxes are, in essence, your contribution of money to keep the government running and its public services – such as roads, parks and schools – available. Working for the first time can provide you with a window into how the system works. The tax system provides funding for your government and the services it provides. At the same time, the government keeps a watch over the labor force, raising the minimum wage in 2007 for the first time in almost a decade to make sure you still have a fair amount of money in your paycheck.

This video lesson plan gives an overview of how taxes affect students' paychecks and their communities.  

It includes the following:

• the.News video report  streaming/downloadable (runtime = 5:44)
• Lesson Plan
• Background Article
• Online Speak Out discussion for students (Student Voices Website)