W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
Finally moving away from the Greeks, we now come to the Romans. Scholars often speak of Roman tax policy as “more or less organized robbery” and Roman tax men as “a band of thugs.” But Roman tax law wasn’t always corrupt. There was a 200-year section at the zenith of the Roman civilization when taxation was moderate. Actually, every kind of tax, as well as no taxation, characterized the Roman period. Taxes were as necessary but as unpredictable in the Roman Empire as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The arguably insane emperor Nero once offered to get rid of all indirect taxes and create an “amazing present to the human race.” If you are feeling the pressure with today’s taxes, call a Tax Preparer in Raleigh, NC for all your tax-related needs!
Romans - The Early Years
The early Roman Republic required little taxation because it operated with free labor. The army, which can be the most expensive operation in every society, was a citizen’s army, comprised of land-owners who served for a year without pay. They even brought their own uniforms and equipment. This spirit of volunteer free public service inspired all government offices. Even the judges worked for the government for free. It is hard to conceive the validity of this ancient practice, especially in our individualistic society, when no one seems willing to lift a finger for the government without a fat paycheck. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation in Raleigh, NC.
The best way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in all citizens a spirit of selfless service for the greater good. It isn’t necessary to curtail public programs and services; what is needed is the curtailment of the spirit of gain and profit that infects public servants and contractors.
The Romans, like many ancient civilizations, used the important men of their society to handle tax assessments. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these great men rubbed off on the taxpayers. In contrast, modern tax systems use professional public relations contractors to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that utilize fear more than inspiration. Trouble began, however, when Roman armies lived off of the people and took tribute in block form called “stipendium”.
Keep an eye out for W. Marc Gilfillan’s next chapter in his History of Taxes series: Taxes and the American Revolution.
http://www.marccpa.com/