pay taxes

You use this phrase as a standard verb-object pair. You can say I pay taxes to show you are a responsible citizen. You can use it in the past tense as paid taxes. In the future, you might say I will pay taxes. It is very straightforward and functional.

Use it during financial discussions or political debates. It fits perfectly when talking to an accountant. Use it when complaining about your paycheck with friends. It is common during 'tax season' in the spring. You might even use it when demanding better public services. 'I pay taxes, so why is this park dirty?' is a classic line.

Avoid using it as a way to brag about being rich. It can sound a bit arrogant or out of touch. Do not use it if you are just buying a small candy bar. While you are paying 'sales tax', we usually just say buying something. It is too heavy for small, everyday purchases. Also, do not confuse it with filing taxes, which is the paperwork part.

In many English-speaking cultures, there is a famous saying. 'Nothing is certain except death and taxes.' This shows how unavoidable the topic is. In the US, April 15th is a stressful day for everyone. People often joke about how complicated the forms are. It is a shared struggle that brings strangers together in frustration.

You might hear taxpayer, which refers to the person. People also say income tax for money taken from their salary. If you pay too much, you get a tax refund. That is the best day of the year for many! If you try to avoid it illegally, it is called tax evasion. Stay away from that one!