Crossword Genius

Hand over tax I owe? Not at first (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ovation

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hand over' is the definition.
'ovation' can be an answer for 'hand' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not sure about the 'over' bit.

'tax i owe? not at first' is the wordplay.
'tax' becomes 'VAT' (British sales tax).
'owe?' becomes 'on' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'not' becomes 'o' (I've seen this in other clues).
'at first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'vat'+'i'+'on'='vation'
'vation' after 'o' is 'OVATION'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ovation that I've seen before include "One's often standing" , "Long period of applause" , "Prolonged applause" , "Enthusiastic applause and cheers" , "Too vain (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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