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

Having it on the ballot could affect another measure, sponsored by public employee unions, that would continue a surtax on high-income earners that was first adopted in 2012 and later extended to 2030. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 22 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

In 2022, Massachusetts voters approved a 4 percent surtax on annual taxable income over $1 million. —Austin Sarat, Washington Post, 6 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