The delay of a tax liability until a future date. For example, an IRA may result in a tax deferral on the amount contributed to the IRA and on any income earned on funds in the IRA until withdrawals are made. At the corporate level, accelerated depreciation of assets results in a delay in tax liabilities. Tax deferral, which is legal, means a postponement, not elimination, of a tax liability. Also called deferral of taxes.