tax return

/tæks rɪˈtɜːrn/

Meaning

A tax return is an official form or set of documents submitted to a government tax authority. It reports income, expenses, and other relevant financial information used to calculate the amount of tax owed or refunded. Both individuals and businesses must file tax returns annually.

Examples

  • Our corporate accountant is currently working on filing our annual tax return.

    Our corporate accountant is currently working on filing our annual tax return.

  • If you submit your tax return early, you might get your refund much faster.

    If you submit your tax return early, you might get your refund much faster.

  • Make sure you keep all your business receipts in case the government audits your tax return.

    Make sure you keep all your business receipts in case the government audits your tax return.

  • I hired a professional tax advisor to help me fill out my business tax return this year.

    I hired a professional tax advisor to help me fill out my business tax return this year.

  • The deadline to file your personal tax return is usually in mid-April.

    The deadline to file your personal tax return is usually in mid-April.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I received a large tax return from the government because I overpaid.

    ✓ I received a large tax refund from the government because I overpaid.

    A 'tax return' is the document you submit to the government. The money you get back is called a 'tax refund'.

  • ✗ I need to do my tax return form before the weekend.

    ✓ I need to file my tax return before the weekend.

    In English, we 'file' or 'submit' a tax return. Adding the word 'form' is redundant because 'tax return' already refers to the document.

Related Expressions

tax refundtax declarationfile taxes

Practice

  • Every April, business owners must file a ___ to report their annual earnings.

    💡 The official document submitted to report income and calculate taxes.

    Show answer

    tax return

  • If you make a mistake on your ___, the government might audit your business.

    💡 The form filed annually to calculate tax liability.

    Show answer

    tax return