Module 12: Refund, Amount Due, and Recordkeeping

Educational Standards

State and National Standards

Time Frame

One to two hours

Curriculum Area(s)

• Technology
• Civics/Government
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• History/Social Studies
• Economics

Purpose

To help students understand refunds, amounts due, and recordkeeping requirements

Objectives

Students will be able to

• define a refund and explain how refunds are received.
• define an amount due and explain how payments are made.

Background

Taxpayers receive a refund when their total tax payments are greater than the total tax. Refunds are received from the government. Taxpayers receive refunds from the government as checks or as direct deposits to the taxpayers' bank accounts. Taxpayers must pay an amount due to the government when the total tax is greater than their total tax payments. Payments can be made by check, money order, credit card, or direct debit (for electronic filers only). Taxpayers need to keep good records in order to prepare their tax returns and support all items on their tax returns.

Key Terms

amount due

Money that taxpayers must pay to the government when the total tax is greater than their total tax payments.

refund

Money owed to taxpayers when their total tax payments are greater than the total tax. Refunds are received from the government.

Opening the Lesson

Hand out Fact Sheet-Refund, Amount Due, and Recordkeeping. Using the following questions, prompt students to share their knowledge about refunds, amounts due, and recordkeeping:

• What do you know about tax refunds and tax payments? (Some students may know that when the refund check arrives, the family can make a big purchase, like a television. Other students may share stories about late night drives to the post office on April 15th to mail the tax return and check. Other students may refer to news reports about the traffic jam at the post office on April 15th.)
• Why is it important for taxpayers to keep good records? (Taxpayers need to be able to prove the sources of income as well as the expenses and deductions reported on their tax returns. Also, taxpayers who have good records can complete their tax returns quickly and accurately.) Then, explain that this lesson covers refunds, amounts due, and recordkeeping requirements.

Note: For students who may want to work independently on this module, refer them to Student Lesson-Refund, Amount Due, and Recordkeeping.

Developing the Lesson

Direct students to Tax Tutorial-Refund, Amount Due, and Recordkeeping, and explain that this tax tutorial focuses on refunds, amounts due, and recordkeeping. Tell students that they will learn the difference between a refund and an amount due. They also will learn the various ways to receive refunds and make payments. Students will learn about the importance of good recordkeeping. Inform students that they will have an opportunity to integrate all of the previous tax tutorials by completing two comprehensive tax returns.

Concluding the Lesson

After the students have completed Tax Tutorial-Refund, Amount Due, and Recordkeeping and Simulation 12-Completing a Tax Return Using Form 1040 to Claim a Dependent, ask them whether they have any questions about refunds, amounts due, or recordkeeping. To ensure that they understand the material, ask the following questions:

• When will a taxpayer have a refund? (A taxpayer has a refund when total tax payments are greater than the total tax.)
• What are the ways to pay an amount due? (Taxpayers can pay the amount due by check, money order, credit card, or direct debit for electronic filers only.)