What is "stealth tax"

n. 1 A new or increased tax or other similar charge treated in such a manner as to prevent people from being made aware of it 2 mandatory rendering of money to a government that is not explicitly identify as a tax

A stealth tax is a tax levied in such a way that is largely unnoticed, or not recognized as a tax. The phrase was generally used in the United Kingdom by Conservatives to attack the New Labour government's behaviour. It should not be confused with double taxation or privatisation.