Harvey is a 16 year old boy who is working as a newspaper delivery boy for the newspaper company. He gets paid every Thursday. This is his first job and he gets paid by check. Mr. Smith is his boss. Thursday Harvey gets his first paycheck and gets very sad. He was supposed to make 100 dollars but the check is only 70 dollars. Mr. Smith sees that Harvey gets sad and explains to him what deductions are. He starts with federal taxes which is about 8 dollars from Harvey's paycheck. The government collects taxes from all citizens to built bridges and highways and fund the army. He then explains what the social security deduction is for and also, medicare, state and city taxes. At the end Harvey is glad that the government is thinking to save money for him so he gets it when he retires. Sparky is Harvey's dog. He is sad when Harvey is sad and then gets happy at the end when Harvey understands how taxes work.

Taxes

Harvey riding his bike with Sparky in tow, delivering newspapers in a sunny neighborhood

Harvey was a boy, just sixteen years old. He delivered the news, in the sun and the cold. He worked for Mr. Smith, a kind, older man. Delivering papers was Harvey's big plan. He rode on his bike, with Sparky in tow. They'd race through the streets, fast and not slow. Harvey was happy, he felt so grown up. He'd get paid on Thursday, he couldn't wait up.

Harvey's First Job

Harvey receiving a check from Mr. Smith with a look of excitement on his face

Thursday arrived, and Harvey's heart soared. He'd get his first check, he wouldn't be bored. Mr. Smith handed over a slip of white paper. Harvey's excitement couldn't be any greater. He opened it quickly, expecting a prize. But what he saw brought tears to his eyes. Instead of one hundred, the check read seventy. Harvey felt sad, his joy turned to pity.

Thursday's Paycheck

Harvey looking sad with Sparky by his side, holding the check and talking to Mr. Smith

Harvey's face fell, and Sparky looked sad. Mr. Smith noticed and asked, "Why so bad?" Harvey explained, "I worked very hard. But my check is too small, it's really quite scarred." Mr. Smith nodded, he knew what to say. He would explain it, in a friendly way. "Harvey, my boy, don't be so blue. Let me tell you what taxes do."

Harvey's Sadness

Mr. Smith explaining taxes to Harvey, who looks confused but attentive

"Taxes?" asked Harvey, confused and unsure. "Yes," said Mr. Smith, "they help, that's for sure. The government needs them to build and to mend. Highways and bridges, from end to end. Eight dollars of yours go to federal tax. To help fund the army and fill in the cracks. It's a small part you give, but it helps us all. To keep our country strong and standing tall."

Understanding Deductions

Harvey nodding with understanding while Mr. Smith continues to explain taxes

"The federal tax," Mr. Smith did explain. "Is used for the country, it's really quite plain. It builds up the roads and funds the defense. It's a part of your check, that makes a big sense." Harvey nodded, starting to see. How his money was used, for you and for me. Sparky wagged his tail, feeling the cheer. Harvey's sadness was starting to clear.

Federal Taxes Explained

Harvey smiling as Mr. Smith explains Social Security, Sparky wagging his tail

"Next," said Mr. Smith, "is Social Security. It's money saved up for your future maturity. When you are old and no longer can work. This money helps you, it's not just a perk. It's a safety net, for when you retire. To keep you secure, and lift you up higher." Harvey smiled, he was starting to see. How this deduction was good, actually.

Social Security

Harvey listening intently as Mr. Smith explains Medicare, with Sparky looking happy

"Then there's Medicare," Mr. Smith went on. "It's for health care, when you're old and strong's gone. It helps pay for doctors, and medicines too. It's a small part of your check, but it's good for you." Harvey nodded, understanding more. How these deductions were not a chore. Sparky barked happily, seeing the change. Harvey's feelings were starting to rearrange.

Medicare Deduction

Harvey looking proud as Mr. Smith explains state taxes

"State taxes," said Mr. Smith with a grin. "Help your own state, it's where they begin. They fund the schools and the local parks. They fix up the streets and light up the dark. It's a small part you give, but it helps a lot. To make your state better, in every spot." Harvey felt proud, knowing his share. Was helping his state, showing he cared.

State Taxes

Harvey smiling brightly as Mr. Smith explains city taxes

"City taxes," said Mr. Smith, wise and kind. "Help your own city, keep that in mind. They pay for the police, to keep you all safe. They fund the firemen, who are always so brave. They keep the libraries open, and the parks so green. It's a small part you give, but it keeps the city clean." Harvey smiled, feeling quite bright. Understanding taxes made everything right.

City Taxes

Harvey looking at his check with a new understanding, Sparky wagging his tail

Harvey looked at his check, with new eyes. He understood now, it was no surprise. The deductions were there, to help everyone. To build up the country, to get things done. Sparky wagged his tail, feeling the cheer. Harvey's sadness had disappeared. He thanked Mr. Smith, for explaining it all. Now he felt proud, standing so tall.

Harvey's New Understanding

Harvey sharing his knowledge about taxes with his friends, Sparky joining the fun

Harvey went home, feeling so wise. He wanted to share, his new-found prize. He told his friends, about taxes and more. How they helped everyone, rich or poor. His friends listened, with curious ears. They understood now, and lost their fears. Sparky barked happily, joining the fun. Harvey's knowledge had helped everyone.

Sharing the Knowledge

Harvey delivering papers with a smile, Sparky running beside him

Harvey felt proud, as he continued to work. Delivering papers, with a smile and a perk. He knew that his money, though smaller than planned. Was helping the country, it was all so grand. Sparky ran beside him, happy and free. They worked together, in perfect harmony. Harvey's heart was light, his spirit was high. Understanding taxes made him a wise guy.

Harvey's Pride

Mr. Smith patting Harvey's back with a proud smile

Mr. Smith watched, with a smile so wide. He was proud of Harvey, and filled with pride. He knew that the boy, had learned something great. Understanding taxes, was a wonderful trait. He patted Harvey's back, and said with cheer. "You're a smart young man, it's very clear." Harvey thanked him, for the lesson so kind. Understanding taxes had opened his mind.

Mr. Smith's Wisdom

Harvey delivering papers happily, with Sparky by his side

Harvey continued, to work every day. Delivering papers, in his own special way. He knew that his money, though less than before. Was helping the country, and so much more. Sparky wagged his tail, feeling the joy. Harvey was happy, a wise young boy. They worked together, in sun and in rain. Understanding taxes had eased all the pain.