overtax

verb

over·​tax ˌō-vər-ˈtaks 

overtaxed; overtaxing

transitive verb

1

: to tax (someone or something) too heavily or beyond what is due

revenues raised through overtaxing the middle class

2

: to lay too heavy a burden or demand upon (someone or something)

exercises that overtax the muscles

overtaxing my patience

A fancy terminal with enough gates for all the planes, a work force that is alternately overtaxed and underemployed, and a high-tech baggage system all create high fixed costs.

—Marc Levinson et al.

overtaxation

ˌō-vər-tak-ˈsā-shən 

noun

Homelessness is worse here than anywhere in the country. The cost of living is out of control. Overtaxation is rampant. Infrastructure is crumbling.

—Eric Ryan

Examples of overtax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has alleged that cities and counties up and down the state are overtaxing and overspending and that relief was needed for taxpayers. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monagai both proved to be capable receiving options while still not being overtaxed during relatively efficient seasons. — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Having been afforded the kind of coronation, which is rare in British politics, Burnham takes charge at a time when the national psyche is battered, bruised, and severely overtaxed. — Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

More than 100,000 Detroit residents lost homes in that crisis, and homeowners were overtaxed by at least $600 million between 2010 and 2016. — Donovan McCarty, The Conversation, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overtax

• almanacs
• carrybacks
• haversacks
• lumberjacks
• maniacs
• microcracks
• minimax
• paperbacks
• parallax
• quarterbacks
• sticklebacks
• telefax