Taxes are mandatory financial charges imposed by governments on individuals and businesses. They are used to fund public services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. The amount of tax owed can vary based on income, property value, and other factors, and there are different types of taxes, including income tax, sales tax, and property tax. When people earn money or purchase goods, a portion of that amount is often paid as tax. This money is collected by government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States, to support community needs and maintain public order.