A History of Tax Law, Chapter 5: Tax Law and The Roman Empire
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 finally are at the Romans. Historians usually refer to Roman tax policy as “more or less legal robbery” and Roman tax collectors as “a bunch of robbers.” However, Roman tax law was not always bad. There was a 200-year period at the peak of the Roman Empire when taxes were moderate. Actually, all kinds of taxes, as well as no taxes, characterized the Roman period. Taxation was as necessary but as unpredictable in the Roman Empire as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once advised to abolish every indirect tax and create a “wonderful present to the human race.” If you're feeling the pressure with today's taxes, call a Tax Preparer in Durham, NC for all your tax-related needs!
The Roman Empire – The Early Years
The early Roman Republic required little taxation because it operated with free labor. The army, which is arguably the greatest expense in any civilization, was a citizen’s army, composed of property owners who served for one year without pay. They even brought their own uniforms and gear. This spirit of volunteer free public service inspired most government offices. Even the judges worked for the city without pay. It is hard to conceive the validity of this ancient practice, especially in our age, when no one seems to want to lift a finger for the government without a fat paycheck. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation in Cary, NC.
The ideal way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in all citizens a spirit of unselfish service for the public good. It is not needed to limit public programs and services; what is necessary is the curtailment of the spirit of gain and profit that infects public servants and contractors.
The Romans, like many ancient civilizations, used the great men of their society to handle tax law. Taxpayers loved and admired these men, and no doubt the integrity of these powerful men rubbed off on the taxpayers. In contrast, modern tax practices use professional public relations officers to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that utilize fear more than inspiration. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies lived off of the populace and collected 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.
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