The purpose of taxation is to raise revenue (income) for the government. The government needs the money to run our country and it’s important that we all pay our fair share. Taxation has both positive and negative impacts as well as rewards and drawbacks. We can view taxation from many perspectives (points of view).
Financial This means looking at money/revenue/income for the government.
Example: The government raises money to run the country, i.e. paying nurses’ salaries.
Social Legal
This means ensuring a better society, providing for the less well off, supporting the young, old and people with special needs. Availing of tax may positively impact society.
We have to pay our tax. If we are liable for tax, it must be paid by law. Retailer collects VAT. Employers pay PRSI %.
Ethical This means doing the right or moral thing.
We need to be informed, pay our tax and ensure how we go about this is best for everyone in our country. This means having facilities like fire service, social welfare payments, etc. and ensuring that all our decisions have a moral and ethical element.