‘逃税’ literally means ‘to flee tax’ — the character 逃 (táo) means ‘to escape’ or ‘to flee’, and 税 (shuì) means ‘tax’. Together, they form a noun meaning ‘tax evasion’: the illegal act of deliberately avoiding paying taxes owed, such as by hiding income, falsifying records, or omitting reporting. It is a formal, legal term used in official contexts like news reports, government notices, and court rulings.

This word carries strong negative connotations and implies intentional wrongdoing, not mere mistakes or late filing. It is distinct from legal tax planning or using legitimate deductions. In Chinese society and law, 逃税 is treated seriously — offenders may face fines, penalties, or even criminal prosecution. The term appears frequently in discussions about fiscal responsibility, corporate compliance, and public finance, especially when high-profile individuals or companies are investigated for financial misconduct.