So yesterday was the beloved TAX DAY here in the US. Funnily enough, the IRS website was down so maybe those procrastinators will get lucky and be given an extension (update: they were given one more day). I’m sure that students are asking all types of tax questions due to both current events and the tax season, so it is only fitting that we highlight a Taxes Activity related to Math for our Math Spotlight this week!

Drum roll…
To kick it off, CALCULATE: Completing a 1040 is a great resource to show students how to fill out this vital tax form. In the Activity, students will fill out a 1040 based on a variety of example backgrounds and personal situations (dependent vs. independent, part-time vs. full-time, etc.) Students are provided with resources to understand requirements and terms in this form. By filling out a 1040, students can calculate how much each example individual will owe or be refunded and learn how to do their taxes in the process! This is a great way for students to also practice detail-oriented calculations while learning how to complete the 1040. They can see how different factors can affect an individual’s filing while honing in on their basic math skill set.

But wait, there’s more! If it wasn’t enough that students can practice this real-life skill we all must do once a year, they will also put themselves in the drivers seat as the auditor! After each student completes their calculations using the 1040, they will swap forms and audit each other. This means students will also practice checking each other’s math and ensuring their peers did not make any mistakes. 

Awesome! So, where do I find the Answer Keys?

• Create a Free Teacher Account by clicking on the button in the top right corner of our website. Once verified, you will get access to all NGPF Answer Keys on the Unit Pages of the NGPF website. 

About the Author

Melissa Belardi

Melissa is extremely passionate about making abstract ideas more tangible for students. After teaching High School Physical Science for 5 years on the east coast, she has made the switch to a nonprofit in the hopes of reaching all types of learners. In her experience, students were interested in learning more about personal finance and she believes that all students should have access to this material. She first gained insight into inquiry-based and project style learning during her Masters in Education at the University of Pennsylvania GSE and believes these methods are ideal for students to connect financial concepts with their lives. Other than creating learning materials, Melissa loves live music, great food, and playing soccer.