pretax

adjective

pre·​tax ˌprē-ˈtaks How to pronounce pretax (audio)
variants or pre-tax
: existing before provision for taxes : before taxes are deducted
pretax earnings/profits
The most common self-directed plans, 401(k) plans, leave it up to employees to voluntarily contribute part of their pretax salary.—Ellen E. Schultz

Examples of pretax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Corporate giving has until now hovered around 1% of pretax profits. — Jon Bergdoll, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026 The new law also puts a new floor on corporate charitable donations at 1% of their pretax profits. — Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026 Those accounts enable families to set aside up to $7,500 in pretax income for childcare expenses. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 22 June 2026 The company expects to complete its restructuring plan by the end of September, incurring pretax charges of $35 million to $45 million. — News Service Reports, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretax

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretax was in 1917

Rhymes for pretax

See All Rhymes for pretax

Browse Nearby Words

pretaste
pretax
pretaxation
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Cite this Entry

“Pretax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretax. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

pretax

adjective
pre·​tax
ˌprē-ˈtaks
: existing or occurring before the assessment or deduction of taxes
pretax income
pretax contributions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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