income tax

American  

noun

1. a tax levied on incomes, especially an annual government tax on personal incomes.

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income tax British  

noun

1. a personal tax, usually progressive, levied on annual income subject to certain deductions

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Etymology

Origin of income tax

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Income tax refund season may soon have some competition.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Income tax collections in most states are running higher than forecast thanks to a buoyant stock market, which has lifted capital gains.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Income tax thresholds are the level of income at which people start paying tax or begin paying higher rates of tax.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2023

Income tax thresholds would also be increased to avoid adding to the tax burden on households.

From Reuters • Sep. 27, 2023

The national prejudices are constantly in opposition; look, for instance, at the opposite view they take of the "Income tax"!

From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. I by Lever, Charles James