Inklingo

How to Say "tax" in Spanish

English → Spanish

derecho

/deh-REH-choh//deˈɾe.t͡ʃo/

nounB2formal
Use 'derecho' when referring to a general government levy or duty, often related to imports or specific government services.
A hand placing coins on a counter next to official-looking documents, representing the payment of a fee or duty.

Examples

Hay que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar el coche.

You have to pay the customs duties to import the car.

La factura incluye los derechos de matrícula de la universidad.

The bill includes the university's registration fees.

tasa

/TAH-sah//ˈtasa/

nounB2formal
Use 'tasa' for a specific fee or charge imposed by an authority for a particular service rendered, like renewing a document.
A person handing a gold coin to a clerk at a wooden counter.

Examples

Debes pagar una tasa para renovar el pasaporte.

You must pay a fee to renew your passport.

Las tasas aeroportuarias están incluidas en el billete.

The airport taxes are included in the ticket.

Tasa vs. Impuesto

A 'tasa' is usually a fee you pay in exchange for a specific service (like getting a license), while an 'impuesto' is a general tax that goes to the government for everything.

fiscal

/fees-KAHL//fisˈkal/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'fiscal' as an adjective when discussing matters related to taxes in general, such as policies, reforms, or systems.
A massive pile of gold coins and stacks of currency resting on a polished wooden table, symbolizing public revenue and taxation. A small, dignified government building is visible in the background.

Examples

La reforma fiscal afectará a todas las empresas grandes.

The tax reform will affect all large companies.

El año fiscal en este país comienza en enero.

The fiscal year in this country starts in January.

Necesitamos un acuerdo fiscal con los países vecinos.

We need a financial agreement with neighboring countries.

Always the Same Form

As an adjective, 'fiscal' always looks the same, whether the noun it modifies is masculine ('el año fiscal') or feminine ('la política fiscal').

Confusing Adjective and Noun

Mistake: “Usar 'fiscal' para decir 'tax' (the thing you pay).”

Correction: Use 'impuesto' for the noun 'tax.' 'Fiscal' describes things related to taxes, but isn't the tax itself. E.g., 'el impuesto fiscal' is redundant.

Confusing Government Levies with Service Fees

Learners often confuse 'derecho' and 'tasa' because both can refer to payments to the government. Remember that 'derecho' is a broader term for a government levy or duty, while 'tasa' is specifically a fee for a particular service provided.

Related Translations

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