Words That End in TAX: Prefixes Stacked on a Root
TAX is one of those rare English endings where nearly every word is just the root word with a prefix bolted on. SURTAX, PRETAX, OVERTAX, RETAX, NONTAX, ANTITAX, POSTTAX — the base word TAX does all the heavy lifting while prefixes modify the meaning. SYNTAX is the lone outlier, coming from Greek syntaxis (arrangement), and it has nothing to do with money or the IRS. That makes SYNTAX a particularly sneaky crossword answer when the clue references grammar rather than revenue.
For word game players, TAX itself is a tidy 10-point Scrabble word (T=1, A=1, X=8). The X tile does most of the scoring work here. OVERTAX and SURTAX are strong mid-length plays that use common letters alongside that valuable X. In crossword puzzles, -TAX endings are rare enough that if you've confirmed the final three letters, you can usually narrow the answer to one or two options. SYNTAX appears most often, usually clued through language or grammar references. If you need more X-ending options, the RE- prefix family gives you RETAX, while words starting with UN can help with prefix-stacking strategy in general.
FAQ
Is PRETAX one word or two in Scrabble?
PRETAX is one word and valid in both TWL and SOWPODS. It scores 15 points base. The same applies to POSTTAX, NONTAX, and ANTITAX — all single words, all playable. For more prefix-based scoring plays, check words starting with RE where the RE- prefix opens up hundreds of options.
What's the highest-scoring -TAX word in Scrabble?
OVERTAX scores 17 points base and uses 7 tiles, putting you close to bingo territory if you can extend it. SYNTAX scores 16 points and is easier to play in tight board positions. Both benefit from the X tile's 8-point value landing on premium squares. For other words built around high-value tiles, try words starting with Q for similar scoring strategies.