3. Why do we have to pay taxes? Many services and facilities, which are provided free to the general public, cost money. For example, schools and hospitals. These are expensive to run as the buildings, fittings, lighting, heating, staff salaries and insurance all have to be paid for. The State mainly pays for schools and hospitals using money collected from taxes. Taxes are also used to pay for other services such as roads, public lighting, parks, social welfare, the Gardaí and the Army.
Pair work
Jenny is employed as a hairdresser. She owns her own home and drives a Ford Focus. Identify as many taxes as possible that Jenny might have to pay.
Research
1. Find the website of the Revenue Commissioners. 2. On the website, click on the Taxes & Duties section. 3. Select one tax from the list. 4. Find out three new pieces of information on the tax or duty you have selected.
