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

ATR notes that “three of the top four states attracting movers have no personal income tax: Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The state budget in California is already largely dependent on income taxes paid by its highest earners.

From Los Angeles Times

In February last year, India said people earning up to about $13,300 would owe no income tax.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2026 nine states will have no income tax on wages, and 14 will have a single rate for the individual income tax.

From The Wall Street Journal

Public companies are now preparing to disclose more details on the income taxes they pay to government authorities in their 2025 annual reports.

From The Wall Street Journal