In the realm of public finance, it is important to understand the concept of tax burden. This refers to the total tax payments within a given fiscal year, expressed as a percentage of either the Gross National Product (GNP) or national income. Essentially, it represents the proportion of a country's economic output that is allocated towards taxes. This metric is crucial for assessing the overall impact of taxes on a nation's economy. As such, it is a key consideration for policymakers and economists alike.