How can raising taxes impact consumer behavior according to fiscal policy?

Raising taxes typically leads to an increase in the overall financial burden on consumers, which can result in a decrease in discretionary income. When individuals have less disposable income due to higher taxes, they often prioritize essential expenditures and cut back on non-essential spending. This reduction in consumer spending can affect various sectors of the economy, leading to reduced demand for goods and services and potentially slowing economic growth. Consequently, the notion that consumers' spending may decrease aligns with established economic theories that link increased taxation to reduced consumer demand.