Taxes are payments that individuals and businesses make to their government. These funds are used to pay for public services like schools, roads, and hospitals. When you earn money or buy things, a portion of that amount often goes to taxes. This helps the government provide essential services that benefit everyone in the community. There are different types of taxes, such as income tax, which is based on how much money you earn, and sales tax, which is added to the price of goods when you shop. Understanding taxes is important because they play a crucial role in funding the services we rely on every day.