And they literally changed the definition of literally to mean the exact opposite of literally. ;)
When a word gets used incorrectly or conflated enough even official dictionaries will change.
What's important is to understand the distinctions.
There's something called Sapir-Whorf theory and one of the important concepts is that the more precision your definitions the more capable you are at cognition and understanding and interacting with the world.
It's been said that Eskimos have 37 words for snow. This means that each different type of snow has different properties. They can more effectively operate in that environment compared to someone who thinks all snow is the same.
Some would say that ice and water are the same, and in many ways they are correct, they are the exact same molecules, but if you are going to jump 3 stories off of a diving board onto solid ice instead of water you are going to learn that subtle distinction real fast.
Similarly, conflating taxes and subsidizes reduces your ability to understand the distinctions and their different consequences. And when it comes to implementing policies can have similar effects as mistaking ice for water.
It's important to understand things precisely and not conflate things. Even more so when your votes and actions have a consequence on other people's lives as well.
We understand why you think they are the same, and in many contexts they can safely be conflated, but in many others it is dangerous to assume they are the same.