Capitation

usgb/ˌkæpɪˈteɪʃn/
noun

Payment or tax that is measured per person.

As a disposable income earner, Dina was worried about the rise in capitation.
Visual representation of "capitation" - Payment or tax that is measured per person.

Often appears as...

  • capitation tax
  • capitation fee

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "capitation"
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Tax Context

Capitation often relates to mandatory fees by a government; think of it as a per-head charge.

Illustration for Tax Context
The local government implemented a capitation to fund public projects.
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Historical Use

Capitation can sound archaic because such taxes were more common in the past.

Illustration for Historical Use
In history books, we read that the rulers imposed a capitation on citizens.
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Personal Impact

Capitation suggests a financial impact on individuals, not businesses or groups.

Illustration for Personal Impact
Each family member had to pay a capitation during the census year.
Visual representation of the word "Capitation"

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