noun / verb

tax

TAKS/tæks/

A compulsory charge imposed on resources.

The baker pays tax by surrendering part of the sales income at the treasury.

Tax as a portion of business earnings paid into government funds: a compact two-scene sequence follows a baker from receiving sales income to surrendering part of that money at a civic treasury counter.

Etymology

Latin taxare meant to evaluate or assess. The noun applies that idea to an obligatory contribution assessed by a government: an amount determined as payable.

In context

WFAA4:27

Why would it be OK in this sense with suspending the federal gas tax if that were to happen -- if we -- pay for it by closing billionaire tax loopholes?

Full interview with U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico | Inside Texas Politics

More examples

We pay property taxes twice a year.
Some states tax groceries, while others do not.
Constant interruptions are a tax on my patience.
The steep climb taxes even experienced hikers.

Forms

tax · taxes · taxed · taxing

taxation noun — The system or process of imposing taxes.

taxable adjective — Subject to a tax under the law.

Similar words

levy: Usually an officially imposed payment, not a figurative burden.
duty: A tax specifically charged on goods, especially imports.
burden: Emphasizes strain or responsibility rather than a required payment.