Teach more tax in schools, say campaigners

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is calling on MPs to give tax more prominence in the school national curriculum. 
It forms part of a joint LITRG, Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) and Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) submission to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Financial Education for Young People’s inquiry into the barriers facing schools as they deliver financial education.1

Kelly Sizer, Senior Technical Manager at LITRG, said:  

“Research shows that many people have insufficient understanding of tax. This can lead to non-compliance, tax debt and penalties, which can in turn impact on people’s general wellbeing.2 

“While tax is complex, it is relatively easy to introduce some key concepts to children of school age, starting with a basic foundation at primary level which can be developed as they progress their education. This can help to build future compliance with the tax system.

“However, at present, tax does not appear anywhere in England’s national curriculum in its own right.3 Until tax is given more prominence within the national curriculum, it is hard to see how schools will commit the necessary resources to educate their students on this important matter.”

The submission suggests to the APPG that a co-ordinating strategy is needed which matches potential volunteers from the tax profession to schools to help deliver lessons. Professional bodies such as CIOT and ATT could promote such a scheme to their members, to develop a bank of willing volunteers for schools to call upon.

Kelly Sizer said: 

“Resources are already out there to support teaching tax in school, such as HMRC’s Tax Facts and Junior Tax Facts,4 but we understand that some teachers might find the subject falls outside of their comfort zone. This is where qualified tax professionals can help, adding their skillset to those of the teachers to deliver lessons.

“We know that some tax professionals already support local schools in delivering financial education on an ad hoc basis, but a nationwide scheme to pair up professionals with schools could help more to get involved.”