Interested in uncovering the mystery behind taxes? Looking for real-world applications for what you've learned in the classroom? The IRS has developed an interactive, instructional tax program called Understanding Taxes to provide high schools, community colleges, and the general public with a technology-based instructional tool.

Divided into two areas of content (the Hows of Taxes and the Whys of Taxes), Understanding Taxes offers both print and online materials to help you learn more about the history, theory, and application of taxes in the United States.

Student Lessons . . . Activities . . . Tutorials . . . Simulations . . . how do they all work together? Discover how to use this program to maximize your learning experience!

Check out the student lessons--they serve as a starting point for each of the 36 lessons, providing background information and links to lesson components like interactive activities, tax tutorials, and simulations.

Balance the national budget, take virtual fieldtrips, discover how your tax dollars are spent, and lobby for a cause as you choose from a variety of interactive tax activities.

Who qualifies as a dependent? What is an exemption? How do you report interest from a Form 1099-INT? These 12 tax tutorials will guide you through the basics of tax preparation, giving you the background you need to electronically file your tax return.

Apply what you've learned through tax simulations. Put yourself in the shoes of 17 different taxpayers while you explore the ins and outs of filing tax returns electronically!

If you have completed two or more Understanding Taxes modules or lessons, we want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete a very short user survey. Your thoughts and opinions will help us continue to meet the needs of educators and students.