Which of the following best describes the economic concept of a tax in microeconomics?

• A. A tax is a compulsory payment imposed by the government on the purchase or sale of goods and services.
• B. A tax is a voluntary donation made by consumers to support public goods.
• C. A tax is a discount offered by sellers to encourage more purchases.
• D. A tax is a fee paid to private firms for providing goods and services.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a tax in microeconomics. A tax is generally considered a compulsory payment imposed by the government on individuals or businesses.
2. Step 2: Recognize that taxes are not voluntary; they are mandatory payments required by law, which distinguishes them from donations or voluntary contributions.
3. Step 3: Identify that taxes are typically levied on transactions such as the purchase or sale of goods and services, income, or property, and are used to fund public goods and government services.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that describe taxes as voluntary donations, discounts, or fees paid to private firms, since these do not align with the compulsory and government-imposed nature of taxes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of a tax in microeconomics is a compulsory payment imposed by the government on the purchase or sale of goods and services.