Definition

1. Noun:
   • A government official or agent whose duty is to collect taxes: A person employed by a government authority to receive payments of taxes from individuals and businesses.

Usage

• The term "tax collector" specifically refers to the individual performing the collection function. It is a neutral, formal term for the role.
• It is commonly used in historical, governmental, and financial contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The tax collector visited the village to gather the annual property taxes.
  • In ancient times, a tax collector was often an unpopular figure.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Figurative Use: The term can carry negative connotations, especially in historical or literary contexts, implying someone who is harsh or unscrupulous in enforcing payment.
  • He was portrayed in the story as a greedy tax collector.

Variants and Related Words

• Taxman (noun, informal): A colloquial term for a tax collector or a generic reference to tax authorities.
  • The taxman is auditing my business records.
• Revenue agent (noun): An official who collects revenue, especially for a government; often used synonymously in specific contexts like customs or internal revenue.
• Collector (noun): A more general term for someone who collects things, which includes but is not limited to taxes.

Synonyms

• Revenue officer
• Exciseman (archaic, specifically for excise taxes)

Related Phrases

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent: A specific type of tax collector in the United States.
• Customs officer: A official who collects duties on imports and exports.

Noun

1. someone who collects taxes for the government