Negative ion photoelectron spectra of TaOn-, n = 1 - 3 are reported. By comparing this data to previous theoretical and experimental studies, the photodetachment transitions in the spectra of TaO and TaO2- were assigned. As a result, the adiabatic electron affinities of TaO and TaO2 were determined to be 1.07 +/- 0.06 eV and 2.40 +/- 0.06 eV, respectively. Additionally, the dissociation energy of the TaO anion was determined to be 7.91 +/- 0.19 eV. Similarities and dissimilarities of TaO vs. VO , TaO2- vs. VO2-, and TaO3- vs. VO3- are discussed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.