flat tax

Cultural

A single tax rate that applies to everyone obligated to pay the tax. Sales taxes are flat taxes. There have been proposals to substitute a flat tax on income for the current graduated tax, which taxes higher incomes at a higher rate. Proponents argue that the flat tax is fair and simple. Opponents view it as a bonanza for the wealthy.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Between 2021 and 2025, eight states switched to a flat tax, including Arizona, Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia and Louisiana.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

As the state's fiscal problems grew in the following decades, governors and legislators repeatedly raised the flat tax rate until it was up to 5% on individuals.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2022

California Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, whose district includes the Salton Sea region, said a flat tax would be more appropriate.

From Reuters • Jun. 29, 2022

The Colorado proposal calls for a 10% flat tax on net sports betting proceeds, which is estimated to total about $11 million in the next financial year that starts July 1.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2019

Illinois’ flat tax is enshrined in the state Constitution.

From Washington Times • Mar. 31, 2019

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023