B1noun1K

Tax

UK /["/tæks/"]/US /["/tæks/"]/

Definition

money that you have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services. People pay tax according to their income and businesses pay tax according to their profits. Tax is also often paid on goods and services.

In simple words: Money that people pay to the government.

Examples

  • Everyone has to pay tax on their income each year.
  • The government increased the sales tax to fund infrastructure projects.
  • After filing her taxes, she realized she was eligible for a refund.
  • Many people are unhappy about the new property tax regulations.
  • In some countries, the value-added tax is included in the prices of goods.
  • To avoid paying too much tax, he hired an accountant to help him with deductions.
  • She feels that the tax system is unfair to lower-income families.
  • Communities often rely on local tax revenue to fund schools and services.
  • The tax deadline is approaching, and many are still unprepared to file.
  • Some investments are tax-exempt, which can be beneficial for savers.

Usage notes

Use 'tax' in contexts related to finance and government. It's appropriate in discussions about income, sales, or property, but might sound out of place in casual conversations unrelated to finances.

Grammar pattern

tax + object

Memory hint

Think of 'tax' like a ticket you pay for being part of a country.

Collocations

  • high
  • low
  • direct
  • pay
  • owe
  • charge
  • go up
  • increase
  • rise
  • payer
  • preparer
  • authority/​authorities
  • after tax
  • before tax
  • in tax
  • for tax purposes
  • the rate of tax
  • inspector of taxes

Synonyms

  • levy
  • tariff
  • duty
  • charge

Antonyms

  • subsidy
  • exemption

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tack', say 'tack' instead of 'tax'.
  • Using 'taxes' as singular instead of plural.
  • Forgetting to include a specific type of tax, like 'income tax' when needed.