Surtax
/ˈsɜːr.tæks/noun
An additional tax beyond the usual rate, especially on income or profits.
Did you know?Surtaxes were often imposed during wartime to fund military efforts, revealing how language reflects economic urgency and power dynamics.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
surtax
“An additional levy on top of existing taxes, emerging from economic necessity.”
14th Century
Old French
surtaxe
“An extra charge or fee, directly translating to 'over tax'.”
12th Century
Latin
supertaxa
“To impose a tax over and above the standard rate.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sur-
“Meaning 'over' or 'above', indicating an excess or additional aspect.”