direct tax

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.

direct tax

noun

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

Derived Forms

• direct taxation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct tax¹

An Americanism dating back to 1785–90

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

To him belongs the credit of suggesting the proposition of raising a revenue by a direct tax upon the colonies.

From Project Gutenberg

To all the purposes of legality, that law is as much legal as that under which the direct tax was instituted.

From Project Gutenberg

The Confederation itself authorizes a direct tax, to a certain extent, on the post office.

From Project Gutenberg

Our Congress, exercising one of the powers of the Constitution, levied a direct tax upon the States.

From Project Gutenberg