direct tax

American  

noun

Government.

1. a tax exacted directly from the persons who will bear the burden of it (without reimbursement to them at the expense of others), as a poll tax, a general property tax, or an income tax.

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direct tax British  

noun

1. a tax paid by the person or organization on which it is levied Compare indirect tax

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Other Word Forms

• direct taxation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of direct tax

An Americanism dating back to 1785–90

Compare meaning

How does direct-tax compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• direct tax vs. indirect tax

Example Sentences

But no direct tax cuts have been announced on personal incomes.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

But unlike those deals, which used direct tax abatements, private developers and studios must hit certain goals to receive expansive tax credits.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2023

From April to June 16, the government's direct tax collection rose 45% year-on-year to 3.4 trillion rupees, while indirect tax collection in April-May rose nearly 30%.

From Reuters • Jun. 23, 2022

Instead, Webert’s bill creates the Public School Assistance Fund, which would direct tax revenue to school repairs.

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 2022

In 1791 a direct tax was levied by Act of Congress on all lands and houses; excise officers were to ascertain their value.

From The Trial of Theodore Parker For the "Misdemeanor" of a Speech in Faneuil Hall against Kidnapping, before the Circuit Court of the United States, at Boston, April 3, 1855, with the Defence by Parker, Theodore