Overview

Tax Simulation: Understanding Taxes

This financial education course, developed in partnership with Intuit for Education, helps students develop healthy financial habits and build confidence about handling their taxes. Through a high-fidelity, guided experience navigating TurboTax tax preparation software, students are introduced to important and relevant tax considerations. To enhance the learning experience, several videos are featured in the course covering topics like summarizing a 1099 form and calculating tax requirements.

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Free Digital Lessons for​
Students in Grades 9-12

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Additional Course Resources

At-A-Glance

Grade Level:
9-12

Languages:
English and Spanish

Length:
5 digital lessons, 45 min total

Curriculum Fit:
Finance, Economics, CTE, Social Studies, Business, FCS, and AVID

Standards:
Jump$tart National Standards in K–12 Personal Finance Education

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Preview the Digital Lessons

Lesson 1
Filing Your Taxes

Students help a character file his taxes electronically and learn how online tax preparation software is helpful, secure, and effective.

Lesson 2
Tax Credits for Families

Lesson 3
Taxes for Gig Workers

Lesson 4
Taxes for Students

Lesson 5
Taxes for Investments

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Why Teachers & Students Love This Course

“The simulation helped students to understand the process of completing their taxes as most of them are starting to do their own taxes. Students started to take a more active role in their own finances, rather than allowing their parents to take the lead, because they had the knowledge to help support their process.”

High School Teacher

California

“The simulation has given me more confidence related to future tax filings by providing me with practical, hands-on experiences in preparing and filing taxes. It allowed me to understand the process and identify potential deductions that my family might be eligible for, which I may not have been able to do on my own.”

High School Student

New Hampshire

“A critical problem that our students face is not having had experience of the 'real world' before they are suddenly thrust into it at 18. The simulation allows them to 'get their feet wet' in a low-stakes manner and learn about some of the essential adult requirements of life they will be facing!”

High School Teacher

California

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Try Pairing This Course With

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EVERFI:

Financial Literacy

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Marketplaces:

Investing Basics

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Teaching Financial Literacy FAQ

Less than a third of high school juniors and seniors reported that they felt prepared to compare financial institutions and select one that best meets their needs (32%). Slightly more students -- but still less than half (47%) -- felt they could select, open, and manage a savings or checking account.

Young people also reported low levels of confidence in their ability to establish financial habits that contribute to long-term financial wellbeing: budgeting and managing credit. Half of juniors and seniors said they were “prepared” or “very prepared” to set up and follow a budget, while just a third (32%) felt they could check their credit and maintain good credit over time.

These skills budgeting and managing credit – are essential as young people move toward financial independence. The decisions they make in the next one to two years begin to carry consequences that can last much longer, directly impacting their lifetime financial wellbeing.

Yes, given the critical role of skill and confidence in building financial wellbeing, the low levels of preparedness among young people could be a sign of trouble as students finish high school and move toward financial independence.

Students learn the fundamentals of money management in financial literacy classes, including budgeting, saving, paying off debt, investing, and more. This information offers the groundwork for kids to establish sound financial practices at a young age and steer clear of many mistakes that result in ongoing financial difficulties.