tax

word

/ˈtæks/
taks
/tˈæks/
taks

Definition

Money that people or businesses must pay to the government. It is also used as a verb meaning to charge something with tax or to put a heavy demand on someone or something.

Usage & Nuances

Most often a noun: 'pay tax', 'income tax', 'sales tax', 'tax rate'. In everyday English, 'taxes' is very common for the general idea. As a verb, 'tax' is more formal: 'The government taxes fuel.' Another meaning, also formal, is 'The long trip taxed her patience' (= demanded a lot from her).

Example Sentences

We pay tax every year.

basic

The city will tax sugar drinks.

basic

My paycheck looks smaller after tax.

natural

Don't forget to save your receipts for tax season.

natural

All these extra forms really taxed my patience.

natural

This price does not include tax.

basic