1. the act or practice of imposing taxes that are excessively high or burdensome
Usage: typically used in political or economic contexts
2. the state of being taxed beyond one's capacity to pay or beyond what is reasonable
Usage: can refer to individuals, businesses, or the general population

Examples

• The citizens protested against the government's overtaxation of small businesses.
• Overtaxation of the middle class has become a major political issue.
• Economists argue that overtaxation can stifle economic growth and investment.
• The company claimed that overtaxation made it difficult to remain competitive.
• Historical overtaxation of the colonies contributed to the American Revolution.
• Some argue that overtaxation of wealth discourages entrepreneurship.