If you’re worried about your kid’s brain turning to mush over summer vacation, how about a free online tax course?  The IRS’ Understanding Taxes program is perfect for high school or college aged youngsters.  The course offers 24 lessons divided into 6 themes dealing with tax history and tax theory (the “Hows” of taxes).  And there is a separate set of 14 lessons dealing with the application of tax principles (the “Whys” of taxes).  The Understanding Taxes program includes activities, tutorials, fact sheets, simulations, and of course, every kid’s favorite: assessments.  This is one way to keep them on their toes until they return to school in the fall.