tax base

USAGE SUMMARY

'tax base' is correct and usable in written English.
This term refers to the total amount of money upon which a tax is imposed. It is typically used in financial or economic contexts. For example: "The government is attempting to increase its tax base by raising taxes on certain goods and services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have a tax base.

The New York Times

Bad for the tax base.

The New York Times

That's most of the tax base.

Independent

AIDS has already eroded the tax base.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the tax base is whittled away.

The Economist

Third, broaden the tax base.

The Guardian

The tax base is gone.

The New York Times

It broadened the tax base.

The Guardian - Opinion

It does not have a tax base.

Yale University

The city's tax base continues to decline.

The Economist

That means the country's tax base shrinks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic health, specify how changes in the "tax base" affect revenue and public services.

Common error

Avoid confusing the "tax base" (the total value of assets or income being taxed) with the tax rate (the percentage at which those assets or income are taxed).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tax base" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the aggregate value of income, property, or other assets upon which a taxing authority levies taxes. As evidenced by the Ludwig examples, the term is commonly used in discussions of economic policy and fiscal management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tax base" is a commonly used term in economics and finance, referring to the total amount of assets or income subject to taxation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and academic contexts. Effective use of "tax base" involves understanding its implications for government revenue and economic stability. Remember to distinguish it from the tax rate, and consider how changes in the "tax base" impact public services and economic policy. By diversifying the "revenue source" and maintaining a solid "fiscal capacity", economies can thrive in the long-term. While used in a variety of sources, the term is most frequently associated with leading news and media outlets like The New York Times, The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Income subject to tax

This is a more descriptive way of specifying the income that forms part of the "tax base".

Taxable income

This refers specifically to the portion of income subject to taxation, differing from the broader "tax base" which can include property or other assets.

Taxable assets

Emphasizes the assets that are part of the "tax base", such as property, investments, or other valuables.

Revenue source

This is a broader term referring to any means by which revenue is generated, whereas "tax base" specifically relates to the assets or income taxed.

Assessable income

This term refers to the income that is evaluated for tax purposes, differing slightly from the total "tax base".

Fiscal capacity

This term encompasses the overall ability of a government to generate revenue, including but not limited to its "tax base".

Taxable turnover

Specifically applicable to businesses, this refers to the amount of sales or business activity that is subject to taxation. It's a more focused aspect of the "tax base".

Taxable property

Focuses specifically on real estate or other property that is subject to taxation, providing a narrower scope than "tax base".

National revenue

While similar, "national revenue" encompasses all government income, not just that derived from the "tax base".

Tax potential

Describes the capacity to generate revenue through taxation, whereas "tax base" is the actual foundation upon which taxes are levied.

FAQs

How does a shrinking "tax base" affect a city?

A shrinking "tax base" typically leads to reduced government revenue, potentially causing cuts in public services, increased taxes on the remaining residents, or increased debt.

What does it mean to broaden the "tax base"?

Broadening the "tax base" means including more sources of income or assets under taxation, or expanding the number of individuals or entities that are subject to taxation. This can be achieved through measures such as eliminating tax loopholes or increasing the scope of taxable goods and services.

What are some alternatives to saying "tax base"?

You can use alternatives like "taxable income", "revenue source", or "fiscal capacity" depending on the context.

Why is maintaining a healthy "tax base" important for economic stability?

A healthy "tax base" ensures a stable stream of government revenue, allowing for funding of essential public services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare. It also supports economic development and reduces reliance on debt.