Levy vs. Tax: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A tax is a compulsory financial charge imposed by a government, while a levy is a specific type of tax, often charged for a particular purpose.
Key Differences
Levy typically refers to a charge imposed by an authority, often for a specific purpose, like a levy for flood defense. Tax is a broader term, referring to a compulsory financial charge imposed by a government to fund various public expenditures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In the context of finance, a levy is often targeted and specific, such as an environmental levy for pollution control. A tax, however, is more general, like income tax, used to fund a wide range of government services and responsibilities.
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Nov 10, 2023
A levy can be seen as a type of tax but is usually distinct in its direct association with a specific benefit or service. In contrast, taxes are not typically earmarked for specific projects but go into the general revenue pool of the government.
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Nov 10, 2023
Examples of a levy include charges on specific goods, like a fuel levy, which directly relates to the consumption of that good. Taxes, such as sales taxes, are applied more broadly and are not directly linked to a specific government service.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Implementation-wise, a levy might be imposed in response to a particular situation or need, like a levy after a natural disaster. Taxes are more regular and systematic, forming a part of ongoing fiscal policy.
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Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Specific charge imposed for a particular need
Broad, compulsory financial charge for revenue
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Nov 10, 2023
Purpose
Often for specific projects or services
General funding of government services
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Nov 10, 2023
Example
Environmental levy for pollution control
Income tax for general government funding
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Nov 10, 2023
Association with Services
Directly related to specific benefits
Not directly earmarked for specific projects
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Nov 10, 2023
Implementation Characteristic
Often situational or targeted
Regular and systematic part of fiscal policy
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Nov 10, 2023
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Levy and Tax Definitions
Levy
A charge imposed by a government body.
The city imposed a levy on plastic bags to reduce waste.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
A percentage charged on transactions.
A value-added tax (VAT) is added to the price of goods and services.
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Nov 10, 2023
Levy
A charge for a specific project or service.
The levy on fuel was introduced to fund road maintenance.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
A contribution for the support of a government required of persons, groups, or businesses within the domain of that government.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
Raising funds in response to an emergency.
A levy was raised to support the flood relief efforts.
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Nov 10, 2023
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Tax
A fee or dues levied on the members of an organization to meet its expenses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
Legal authority to seize property for unpaid debts.
The court issued a levy against the company's assets.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
To make difficult or excessive demands upon
A boss who taxed everyone's patience.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
To confiscate property, especially in accordance with a legal judgment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
To hold accountable
The contractor was taxed with the mistake of the subcontractor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
Money paid to the government other than for transaction-specific goods and services.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
To impose (a tax or fine) to collect monies due, or to confiscate property.
To levy a tax
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
A task exacted from one who is under control; a contribution or service, the rendering of which is imposed upon a subject.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
To raise; to collect; said of troops, to form into an army by enrollment, conscription. etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
(transitive) To impose and collect a tax from (a person or company).
Some think to tax the wealthy is the fairest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
(transitive) To impose and collect a tax on (something).
Some think to tax wealth is destructive of a private sector.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
(legal) To erect, build, or set up; to make or construct; to raise or cast up.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
The Spanish real of one eighth of a dollar, valued at elevenpence when the dollar was rated at seven shillings and sixpence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
A charge or burden laid upon persons or property for the support of a government.
A farmer of taxes is, of all creditors, proverbially the most rapacious.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
A name formerly given in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to the Spanish real of one eighth of a dollar (or 12½ cents), valued at eleven pence when the dollar was rated at 7s. 6d.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
A task exacted from one who is under control; a contribution or service, the rendering of which is imposed upon a subject.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
The act of levying or collecting by authority; as, the levy of troops, taxes, etc.
A levy of all the men left under sixty.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
Especially, the sum laid upon specific things, as upon polls, lands, houses, income, etc.; as, a land tax; a window tax; a tax on carriages, and the like.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
A disagreeable or burdensome duty or charge; as, a heavy tax on time or health.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
The taking or seizure of property on executions to satisfy judgments, or on warrants for the collection of taxes; a collecting by execution.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
A sum imposed or levied upon the members of a society to defray its expenses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
To raise; to collect; said of troops, to form into an army by enrollment, conscription, etc.
Augustine . . . inflamed Ethelbert, king of Kent, to levy his power, and to war against them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
To raise or collect by assessment; to exact by authority; as, to levy taxes, toll, tribute, or contributions.
If they do this . . . my ransom, then,Will soon be levied.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tax
To subject to the payment of a tax or taxes; to impose a tax upon; to lay a burden upon; especially, to exact money from for the support of government.
We are more heavily taxed by our idleness, pride, and folly than we are taxed by government.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tax
To assess, fix, or determine judicially, the amount of; as, to tax the cost of an action in court.
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
To seize property, real or personal, or subject it to the operation of an execution; to make a levy; as, to levy on property; the usual mode of levying, in England, is by seizing the goods.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tax
To charge; to accuse; also, to censure; - often followed by with, rarely by of before an indirect object; as, to tax a man with pride.
I tax you, you elements, with unkindness.
Men's virtues I have commended as freely as I have taxed their crimes.
Fear not now that men should tax thine honor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
Charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
Levy a tax on;
The State taxes alcohol heavily
Clothing is not taxed in our state
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
Cause to assemble or enlist in the military;
Raise an army
Recruit new soldiers
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Oct 19, 2023
Levy
An extra charge on top of existing ones.
The hotel added a levy for the use of resort facilities.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
Make a charge against or accuse;
They taxed him failure to appear in court
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Oct 19, 2023
Tax
A compulsory contribution to state revenue.
Income tax is deducted from everyone's salary.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
A key tool in governmental fiscal policy.
The government adjusted the sales tax rate to manage inflation.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
A regular payment made to the government.
Property tax is paid annually on owned real estate.
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Nov 10, 2023
Tax
A source of funding for public services.
Taxes fund public services like education and healthcare.
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Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What distinguishes a levy from a tax?
A levy is often for a specific purpose, while a tax is a broader charge for general government revenue.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can a levy be optional?
Levies are usually mandatory when imposed by an authority.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are taxes used for specific projects?
Generally, taxes go into the general fund and are not earmarked for specific projects.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are all taxes regular and systematic?
Most taxes are regular parts of fiscal policy, though some, like emergency taxes, can be situational.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do levies fund general government services?
Levies are typically targeted for specific services or projects, not general funding.
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Nov 10, 2023
What is an example of a levy?
An environmental levy for pollution control is an example.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can a levy be imposed for emergency situations?
Yes, levies can be imposed in response to emergencies or specific needs.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can taxes be targeted for specific services?
Taxes are generally for general government revenue, not typically targeted for specific services.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is a levy always a type of tax?
A levy can be seen as a type of tax but is typically more specific in purpose.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Is sales tax a levy?
Sales tax is considered a tax, part of general fiscal policy.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is a fuel levy a tax?
A fuel levy is a specific charge on fuel and can be considered a type of levy.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
What is an example of a tax?
Income tax, a regular contribution to state revenue, is an example.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is VAT a tax or a levy?
Value-added tax (VAT) is a type of tax applied to goods and services.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do levies vary by region or country?
Yes, the nature and purpose of levies can vary significantly across different regions or countries.
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Nov 10, 2023
Does a tax always contribute to the general budget?
Yes, taxes typically contribute to a government's general budget.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is income tax a levy?
Income tax is generally considered a tax, not a levy.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are levies a common tool for local governments?
Yes, local governments often use levies for specific local projects or needs.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can a business impose a levy?
Businesses don't impose levies; they are typically imposed by government or legal authorities.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are levies part of regular fiscal policy?
Levies can be situational or part of broader fiscal measures but are usually more specific than regular taxes.
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Nov 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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