surtax

noun

sur·​tax ˈsər-ˌtaks 

1

: an extra tax or charge

2

: a graduated income tax in addition to the normal income tax imposed on the amount by which one's net income exceeds a specified sum

Examples of surtax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market at a tariff rate of about 6%, removing a 100% surtax, in response to Chinese leader Xi Jinping cutting tariffs on canola, a key Canadian agricultural export. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026

In 2022, Massachusetts created a 4% surtax on income over $1 million. —Gregory D. Squires, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2026

The proposal includes a surtax on high incomes, a wealth tax on large financial assets, and a tax on passive income. —Katherine Gregg, The Providence Journal, 22 Jan. 2026

In tandem, Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market at a tariff rate of about 6%, removing a 100% surtax. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for surtax

• attacks
• backpacks
• beeswax
• borax
• callbacks
• carfax
• climax
• cutbacks
• drawbacks
• feedbacks
• flashbacks
• greenbacks

Kids Definition

surtax

noun

sur·​tax ˈsər-ˌtaks 

: an additional tax over and above a general tax

Legal Definition

surtax

noun

sur·​tax ˈsər-ˌtaks 

: an additional tax over and above a normal tax