Definition of the Essence of the Concept of «Tax» Taking Into Account Its Content Characteristics

The purpose of this study is to analyze the development of scientific approaches to understanding the term «tax» («taxes») and to define the essence of the concept of «tax» on the basis of clarifying its content characteristics. Based on the research of scientific sources, approaches to understanding and perceptions of the term «tax» («taxes») at various stages of development of economic systems in modern conditions are systematized and generalized. The content characteristics of the term «tax» have been determined and the need to take them into account when interpreting the essence of the given concept. The author's definition of the «tax» concept is based on its perception and understanding as a philosophical one (contributes to the correct perception of the phenomenon under study and its functioning in interrelation with the external environment), financial and economic (justifies the expediency of forming the state tax system), socio-economic (justifies the need to redistribute the gross domestic product between the budget and various spheres of society) and the legal category (regulates the relationship between from the state and taxpayers, determines the forms and methods of managing tax relations and the patterns of their development). It was given the meaningful characteristics of the philosophical, financial-economic, socio-economic and legal manifestation, the term «tax» should be understood as a mandatory, unconditional, individually gratuitous, regular and legally determined payment paid by individuals and legal entities to the budget of the corresponding level for the purpose of financial support of the state's activities. (regions) and satisfaction of public needs.