Regressive tax (redirected from Regressive Taxes)

Regressive tax

A tax system that provides that average tax rates decrease with increases in individuals' income brackets.

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regressive tax

A tax that has a rate that declines as the amount to be taxed increases. In terms of income, federal and state taxation of cigarettes is regressive because low-income smokers pay a higher rate of taxation in terms of their income than high-income smokers do. A system of regressive taxation tends to free more funds for investment because high-income individuals tend to save a greater portion of their income. However, a regressive tax is often considered socially and politically unacceptable. Compare progressive tax.

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Regressive tax. A regressive or flat income tax system taxes everyone at the same rate, as sales tax does.

Advocates say it's simpler and does away with the kinds of tax breaks that tend to favor the wealthy. Opponents say that middle-income taxpayers carry too large a proportion of the total tax bill.