# taxpayer

/ˈtækˌspeɪɝ/ (US) · /tˈækspeɪɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taxpayer
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a person or company that pays money to the government. This money is used to pay for public services like schools, roads, and hospitals.

For teachers: a person or legal entity that pays taxes to a government or municipal authority. Often used collectively to refer to the general public in the context of government spending.

## Examples

- The government must listen to the concerns of the average taxpayer.
- Local taxpayers are demanding more transparency regarding how their property taxes are spent on city infrastructure.
- The proposed legislation aims to reduce the burden on the individual taxpayer while closing loopholes that allow large corporations to avoid their fiscal responsibilities.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the singular with a definite article ('the taxpayer') to represent the entire tax-paying population.

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