Crossword Genius

Thanks for the kiss, but it's money that's wanted (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tax

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'it's money that's wanted' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'thanks for the kiss' is the wordplay.
'thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you').
'for' says to put letters next to each other.
'the kiss' becomes 'x' (X can represent a kiss).
'ta'+'x'='TAX'

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tax that I've seen before include "Government levy" , "Be trying" , "Impost" , "Are demanding" , "Demand" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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