• A direct tax is presumed to be borne by the person upon whom it is assessed, and not “passed on” to some other person. Ad valorem and property taxes are direct taxes. [Cases: Internal Revenue 3059–3064; Taxation 1. C.J.S. Internal Revenue § 4; Taxation §§ 1–3, 5–6.]
direct tax
A tax that is imposed on property, as distinguished from a tax on a right or privilege.