A History of Taxation, Part One: Taxation and Ancient Egypt
W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
Ancient Egypt wasn't a land of cruel oppressors and oppressed slavery – that is only the impression we get from the tale of Exodus, which came at a time of unrest in Egypt. Modern translations of Egyptian language tell a tale of life in ancient Egypt was usually bountiful and relatively at peace. The land was fertile, women and men were equal and life was enjoyed. But, there were tax collectors, as many as “the sands of the seas”. The order of Egyptian life was maintained by these "scribes" who were charged with enforcing the pharaoh’s tax mandates. Almost everything was taxed – sales, slaves, foreigners, imports, exports, and businesses. Agriculture was taxed at an astounding 20%. There was also a charge on cooking oil and scribes would make continuous visits to kitchens to ensure that free drippings were not being wasted as opposed to the taxed oil.
The word “freedom” ironically in ancient times referred not to one’s political or social liberty but to a person's tax level. If you were “free,” it meant that you were exempt from taxation. Ironically, the word is not found anywhere in the Egyptian language. Good thing we live in this time eh? Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll in Cary NC.
However, the scribes were not inconsiderate (at least in theory). They were told to act kindly towards the poor and defenseless. One ancient translation instructs: “if a poor farmer is in arrears with his taxes, remit 2/3 of them.”
Another translation encourages scribes to “lighten up everyone and to put them into good humor.”
And, if anyone is suffering under the pressure of their taxes, or is at the end of his means to pay them, you must let the case go unchecked.” If you're feeling the pressure with today's taxes, call a Raleigh NC Accountant for all your tax-related needs!
This lenient policy was coined “philanthropa”. From this word we get the word philandthropy.
Over the 3000 years of the Egyptian empire, there were many times of humane and decent tax administration.
Keep an eye out for W. Marc Gilfillan's next chapter in his History of Taxes series: Taxes and the Greeks. http://www.marccpa.com/
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