n. & v.
n. 1 a contribution to State revenue compulsorily levied on individuals, property, or businesses (often foll. by on: a tax on luxury goods). 2 (usu. foll. by on, upon) a strain or heavy demand; an oppressive or burdensome obligation.
v.tr. 1 impose a tax on (persons or goods etc.). 2 deduct tax from (income etc.). 3 make heavy demands on (a person's powers or resources etc.) (you really tax my patience). 4 (foll. by with) confront (a person) with a wrongdoing etc. 5 call to account. 6 Law examine and assess (costs etc.). tax avoidance the arrangement of financial affairs to minimize payment of tax. tax-deductible (of expenditure) that may be paid out of income before the deduction of income tax. tax disc Brit. a paper disc displayed on the windscreen of a motor vehicle, certifying payment of excise duty. tax evasion the illegal non-payment or underpayment of income tax. tax-free exempt from taxes. tax haven a country etc. where income tax is low. tax return a declaration of income for taxation purposes. tax shelter a means of organizing business affairs to minimize payment of tax. tax year see financial year. taxable adj. taxer n. taxless adj.
[ ME f. OF taxer f. L taxare censure, charge, compute, perh. f. Gk tasso fix ]