Windfall Profits Tax


Windfall Profits Tax

A tax on profits seen as excessive. For example, a windfall profits tax may be imposed on oil companies when their profits rise above a certain amount. The idea behind a windfall profits tax is to encourage the taxed persons or companies to lower their prices, which is thought to be good for consumers. However, it may have the effect of reducing investment because the aftertax profit may not be worth the effort. See also: Windfall shares, Windfall tax.