regressive taxation

[rɪˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃən]
noun
tributação regressiva
1. A tax system where the tax rate decreases as the taxable amount increases, or where lower-income individuals pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes compared to higher-income individuals
Sales tax is considered a form of regressive taxation because poor families spend a larger percentage of their income on consumption.
O imposto sobre vendas é considerado uma forma de tributação regressiva porque as famílias pobres gastam um percentual maior de sua renda em consumo.
2. A taxation policy that takes a larger proportion of income from those with lower earnings than from those with higher earnings
Critics argue that regressive taxation widens the gap between rich and poor.
Os críticos argumentam que a tributação regressiva amplia a lacuna entre ricos e pobres.
In Brazil, debates about regressive taxation are central to discussions on economic inequality and social justice, particularly regarding consumption taxes (ICMS) which disproportionately affect lower-income populations. In the USA, regressive taxation is often critiqued by progressive economists and policymakers as contributing to wealth inequality, while some conservatives defend it as economically efficient. Portugal similarly engages with these concepts in EU fiscal policy debates.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
flat tax on consumptionconsumption-based taxationproportional tax (in some contexts)
Antonyms / Antônimos
progressive taxationprogressive tax systemincome-based progressive taxation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tributação regressiva
Standard term used in economic and political discourse
São Paulo
tributação regressiva / carga tributária regressiva
Used in financial and business contexts; sometimes extended with 'carga' (burden)
Portugal
tributação regressiva
Standard European Portuguese equivalent; may also use 'sistema fiscal regressivo'
Rio de Janeiro
tributação regressiva
Same as general Brazilian usage; occasionally discussed in social policy debates

Related Words

tax rateincome taxsales taxexcise taxwealth distributionfiscal policytax burdentax equity

Related Idioms & Phrases

the rich get richer and the poor get poorer
tax burden falls disproportionately on the working class
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