nuisance tax

noun

1. a tax paid in small but frequent amounts, usually by consumers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance tax¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The price tag is not President Trump’s divisiveness and propensity for corruption; that’s a mere nuisance tax compared to the environmental price.

From Washington Post

He said he favors a “nuisance tax” on plastic bags.

From Washington Times

“It’s another potential nuisance tax that will be a disincentive for living in New York City,” he said.

From New York Times

Not to make money, but more like a nuisance tax.

From New York Times