C1noun 5K

Taxpayer

UK /["/ˈtækspeɪə(r)/"]/ US /["/ˈtækspeɪər/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a person who pays tax to the government, especially on the money that they earn

Listen to definition

In simple words: A person who pays taxes to the government.

Examples

• Hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money *(= money paid in taxes)* have been spent on the project.
• The proposals will be popular with higher-rate taxpayers.
• It was estimated to have cost the US taxpayer $35 billion.
• Should politicians be able to travel first class at the taxpayer's expense?
• The changes make an average taxpayer £2.50 a week better off.
• What is the cost to the taxpayer of hosting the Olympics?

Usage notes

Used in discussions about government, finance, and public services. Generally neutral; avoid in informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

taxpayer + noun (e.g., taxpayer rights)

Memory hint

Think of 'tax payer' who pays the tax bill.

Collocations

• taxpayer funds
• taxpayer rights
• taxpayer money

Synonyms

• contributor
• filer
• levy payer

Antonyms

• tax-exempt person
• tax-free individual

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'taxpayer' vs 'tax payers' (spelling issue).
• Using 'taxpayer' as a plural without context (should use 'taxpayers').
• Using it in casual speech where 'people' would suffice.