In
economics, a
duty is a kind of
tax levied by a
state. It is often associated with
customs, in which context they are also known as
tariffs or
dues. The term is often used to describe a tax on certain items purchased abroad. Properly, a duty differs from a tax in being levied on specific
commodities,
financial transactions,
estates, etc. rather than on individuals. Duties may be
import duties,
excise duties,
stamp duties,
death or
succession duties, etc.; but not such direct impositions as personal
income taxes.