“You don't pay taxes, they take taxes”
— Chris Rock
Simplified Meaning:
When you earn money, a part of it is automatically taken away by the government before you even get to use it. This money goes to things like roads, schools, and hospitals. It's not a choice you make, and you don't directly hand it over; it's just taken from your paycheck. For example, think about when you buy something from a store. A small amount is added to the price as sales tax, and the store sends this money to the government. You don't get to decide whether or not to pay it; it happens automatically when you make the purchase. In your life, you could apply this understanding by planning your finances with the knowledge that a part of your income will always go to taxes. This way, you can budget more accurately and avoid surprises. It helps to know that taxes are a part of earning money, so you don't feel caught off guard when you see less money in your paycheck than expected.