stealth tax
Disguised government charge
A stealth tax is a government revenue measure designed to avoid the appearance of a tax increase.
Rather than raising income tax rates directly, governments may reduce allowances, add fees, or let inflation push earners into higher brackets.
The term is usually critical, implying the government is being sneaky: Frozen tax thresholds are a stealth tax on workers.
Shrinking budget shortfalls
- fiscal policyState spending and taxation
- public spendingGovernment allocation of funds
- wealth transferShifting assets between parties
- cost of livingPrice of basic necessities
Levy on document transactions
- license feesPayments for official authorization
- user feesPayments for utilizing facilities
- congestion chargeFee for entering busy areas
- prescription chargesCost for medication fulfillment
deficit reduction
Shrinking budget shortfalls
- fiscal policyState spending and taxation
- public spendingGovernment allocation of funds
- wealth transferShifting assets between parties
bracket creep
Inflation-driven tax increase
stamp duty
Levy on document transactions
- license feesPayments for official authorization
- user feesPayments for utilizing facilities
- congestion chargeFee for entering busy areas
prescription charges · tuition fees · TV license · parking fees · toll roads
stealth taxdirect tax
Charge on income directly
income tax · payroll tax · sales tax · tax rebate · tax cut
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