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

Leader Russell Findlay pledged to raise the point at which taxpayers start paying income tax on their earnings.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

In contrast, withdrawing $10,000 from an IRA would trigger income tax based on your bracket — roughly $1,200 in a 12% tax bracket, $2,200 in a 22% bracket, or $2,400 in a 24% bracket.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Donations of IRA assets are triple-tax-free because no federal income tax is due on contributions, growth or withdrawals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Since 2019, Welsh ministers have had the ability to raise or lower the three rates of income tax in Wales but have never done so.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Dora was having trouble with her income tax, for she was entangled in that curious enigma which said the business was illegal and then taxed her for it.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck