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purchase tax

American  

noun

British.
  1. a sales tax on nonessential and luxury goods.


purchase tax British  

noun

  1. a tax levied on nonessential consumer goods and added to selling prices by retailers

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of purchase tax

First recorded in 1935–40

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.

The bigger problem for the industry was the loss of the $7,500 federal purchase tax credit in September.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

A reduction in subsidies and a 5% purchase tax hike on EVs are expected to slow market momentum.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

What’s more, the average price of a new EV is down about $3,000 since the September expiration of the $7,500 federal purchase tax credit, to about $55,000 External link.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

The reduction in government subsidies and a 5% purchase tax hike on EVs are expected to slow market momentum, following a high base with demand pulled forward into 2024-2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The $7,500 federal EV purchase tax credit expired in September, making EVs relatively more expensive.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

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