About .tax domain
.tax is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (Storm Orchard, LLC) as its registry. It was delegated to the DNS root zone on April 23, 2014, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The application for this string received a GAC Early Warning concerning consumer protection in a regulated market, which the applicant addressed in its proposal. As a product, it is positioned as an open and inclusive namespace intended to increase competition and choice in the domain marketplace.
Who can register .tax domain
Registration for .tax domains is open to everyone globally, with no restrictions based on identity, geography, or profession. The registry's stated policy is to encourage inclusiveness and avoid artificially denying access to legitimate registrants. There are no specific verification or documentation requirements tied to the tax industry or related activities. Any individual or organization can register a .tax domain name.
How to register .tax domain
- Start by searching for your desired .tax domain name on a domain registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing, registration term options, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from various ICANN-accredited registrars that offer the .tax extension.
- Proceed to checkout with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one to ten years.
- Complete the purchase and promptly verify your contact email to activate the domain, then configure your DNS settings through the registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .tax domain
The .tax extension is commonly used by professionals and businesses connected to financial services, particularly tax preparation, planning, and software. It serves as a clear, topical identifier for accountants, tax advisors, and firms offering related services, helping them attract a targeted clientele. The TLD is also utilized by entities that collect taxes, provide taxpayer information, or engage in commentary and discussion on tax policy and public finance. Registrants choose .tax for its direct relevance and memorability within this specific industry.
Tips for registering .tax domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a term of one to ten years, with renewal available at standard rates.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available through participating registrars, subject to their specific offerings.
- The registry has implemented a range of consumer and rights holder protection mechanisms that exceed those in some incumbent TLDs.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing inter-registrar transfers subject to ICANN rules and a 60-day lock after registration or previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions about .tax domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .tax domain?
As of today, .tax domains start from $7.49/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $148.00/yr across 35 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .tax domains?
NameBeta tracks 35 registrars that support .tax domain registration, with the cheapest option at $7.49/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .tax domain?
The registry for .tax domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .tax domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions for registering a .tax domain; it is open to any individual or entity worldwide. The registry's philosophy is to promote an open Internet and avoid denying access based solely on a registrant's identity without legal cause. This means tax professionals, commentators, businesses, or anyone with a legitimate connection to the term can register, without needing to provide specific credentials or documentation.
Can I transfer a .tax domain between registrars?
Transferring a .tax domain to a new registrar follows standard ICANN transfer procedures. You must initiate the transfer through the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked at the current registrar, and obtain the correct authorization code. Transfers are typically prohibited for 60 days following a registration or a previous successful transfer. The registry does not impose additional transfer restrictions specific to the .tax TLD.
What trademark protection mechanisms apply to .tax domains?
The registry operator, Donuts, has committed to an extensive array of trademark protection mechanisms. These include a Sunrise period for trademark holders to secure names before general availability and the adoption of the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system for clear-cut cases of trademark abuse. These protections are part of the registry's broader commitment to operate the TLD with enhanced safety and fewer incidents of abuse compared to some existing TLDs.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .tax websites?
The registry application emphasizes operating the TLD in a legitimate and secure manner but does not impose specific content restrictions tied to the tax theme. The focus of the stated protections is on minimizing fraud, abuse, and trademark infringement rather than regulating website content. Registrants are, of course, required to comply with all applicable laws.
How does the registry handle disputes over domain names?
Disputes are governed by ICANN-mandated policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for trademark conflicts. For faster resolution of clear-cut cases, the registry also supports the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) procedure. These policies provide a legal framework for rights holders to challenge registrations that were made in bad faith and infringe on their trademarks.
