tæks 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.). øtax 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. øøtaxable adj. taxer n. taxless adj. [ME f. OF taxer f. L taxare
censure,
charge,
compute, perh. f. Gk tasso fix]