Analyzing Tax Return Filing Decisions

Amanda Volts, a personal finance teacher, explains how to implement the 'Analyze: Should They File a Tax Return?' activity in a classroom setting. She emphasizes the importance of building a foundational understanding of taxes using various resources before engaging students in the activity. The activity involves analyzing scenarios to determine if characters should file tax returns. Amanda shares her approach to using student activity packets and slide decks to facilitate learning and encourages interactive classroom discussions.

What is the first activity listed in the taxes unit?

• Compare Tax Forms and Their Purpose

• Do I Need to File a Tax Refund?

• Analyze: Should They File a Tax Return?

• Move Your Tax Dollars in Action

Which form is not compared in the 'Compare Tax Forms' activity?

• W-4

• W-2

• 1099

• 1040

What does Amanda use the student activity packets for primarily?

• Extra credit assignments

• Handing out for students to complete individually

• Year-end assessments

• Designing her lessons

What key concepts do students learn about from the student activity packet before the class activity?

• State versus federal taxes

• Filing refunds and tax forms

• Tax evasion penalties

• Standard deduction and dependents

How do students initially engage with the tax filing activity?

• Group discussion

• Independent study

• Interactive game

• Direct lecture

What is the main purpose of the activity 'Analyze: Should They File a Tax Return'?

• To determine if characters are dependent

• To learn about tax forms

• To decide if characters need to file a tax return

• To calculate the tax refund amount

Which character is mentioned first in the tax filing scenarios?

• None of the above

• Jessica

• Christian

• Tim

What method does Amanda use to facilitate the tax filing activity?

• Email discussions

• Online quizzes

• Video presentations

• Printed slides around the classroom

What is the estimated time students spend on the character analysis part of the activity?

• 30-45 minutes

• 15-20 minutes

• One class period

• Two class periods

Why might students who are not legally required still choose to file a tax return?

• To practice filing taxes

• To comply with parental requests

• To avoid legal penalties

• To receive a tax refund