exemption

[ ig-zemp-shuhn ]

noun

1. the circumstances of a taxpayer, such as their age or number of dependents, that allow them to make certain deductions from taxable income.
2. the act of exempting.
3. the state of being exempted; immunity.

   Synonyms: exception

   Antonyms: liability

Other Words From

• ex·emptive adjective
• nonex·emption noun
• preex·emption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exemption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin exemptiōn- (stem of exemptiō ) “removal.” See exempt, -ion

Synonym Study

Exemption, immunity, impunity imply special privilege or freedom from imposed requirements. Exemption implies release or privileged freedom from some duty, tax, etc.: exemption from military service. Immunity implies freedom from a penalty or from some liability, especially one that is disagreeable or threatening: immunity from disease. Impunity (limited mainly to the fixed expression with impunity ) primarily suggests freedom from punishment: The police force was so inadequate that crimes could be committed with impunity.

Example Sentences

As signs grow that an influx of cheap Chinese goods bought online may be undermining domestic industry, Chile and Brazil have scrapped tax exemptions for individual customers on low-value foreign purchases.

From BBC

The UK government made it a criminal offence to possess a bully XL without a valid certificate of exemption from February 2024, following a spate of attacks.

From BBC

Rachel Reeves' budget proved controversial in the agricultural sector after she announced an end to exemptions for some farms.

From BBC

The Treasury said there would be no change or mitigations to the policy, which will see an end to inheritance tax exemption for some farms.

From BBC

Advocates for the tax exemption have said it could provide significant relief to tipped employees, whose income can be unpredictable, though the proposal has sparked a heated debate among economists, labor advocates and policymakers.

From Salon

Related Words

• discharge
• dispensation
• exception
• immunity
• privilege