regressive

tax

1. finance & economicsspecialized

   Relating to a tax that takes a smaller percentage of income as the income of the taxpayer increases, thus disproportionately affecting lower-income individuals.

   • A regressive tax system disproportionately burdens lower-income individuals, as they pay a larger percentage of their earnings in taxes.

   • Sales taxes on essential items like groceries are often criticized for being regressive, as they take a larger bite out of the budgets of lower-income families.

   • The tax on gasoline can be considered regressive, as it represents a greater proportion of expenses for lower-income drivers compared to higher-income ones.

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