Crossword Genius

Not free of tax but ideal otherwise (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dutiable

'not free of tax' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'but ideal otherwise' is the wordplay.
'otherwise' is an anagram indicator.
'but'+'ideal'='butideal'
'butideal' with letters rearranged gives 'DUTIABLE'.

(Other definitions for dutiable that I've seen before include "Not free of tax" , "Liable for tax on importation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.