Taxes for life: Shaping our collective future through education

WHEN Benjamin Franklin wrote these words back in 1789, he likely didn’t imagine they would still ring so true centuries later. At first glance, the line may seem like a clever remark. But it holds a deeper truth: taxes much like death are a universal part of life. Inevitable, often misunderstood, and sometimes dreaded, taxes quietly power the engines of society.

- By Dr. Nadee Dissanayake

They fund the roads we drive on, the hospitals we depend on, the schools that shape our future, and the safety nets that protect the most vulnerable.

Even though taxes are important, many people still find them confusing and hard to understand. Learning how taxes work is the first step to building a fairer and stronger future for everyone. Unlike death, which we must simply accept, taxes are something we can learn about, plan for, and even view positively if we’re given the right knowledge. That’s why tax education shouldn't be left to chance; it should start early in life and continue throughout every stage.

Why Franklin's words still matter today

Benjamin Franklin understood a basic truth that still holds: no country can function without taxes. Taxes, in many ways, are the glue that keeps society running. And just as we accept the laws of nature, we must also learn to live with and contribute to our tax systems. But here’s the challenge: while taxes touch everyone’s life, understanding them is surprisingly rare. Studies show that many adults struggle to explain basic tax concepts, like the difference between direct and indirect taxes, or how governments collect and use revenue. The gap is even wider among young people, especially in places where civic education is lacking. If taxes are certain, shouldn’t understanding them be just as certain?

Bridging the tax education gap

In many parts of the world especially in developing regions tax systems are often seen as confusing, unfair, or even corrupt. This perception breeds mistrust and encourages people to avoid paying taxes. But in most cases, it’s not bad intent it’s a lack of understanding. People naturally mistrust what they don’t fully grasp, and taxes, with their technical language and procedures, can seem overwhelming.