The Lesson in Tax Law, Part 5: Tax and The Romans
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 are at the Roman Empire. Scholars often speak of Roman tax policy as “more or less legal robbery” and Roman tax collectors as “a bunch of robbers.” But Roman taxation wasn't always bad. There was a two hundred year period at the peak of the Roman Empire when taxation was moderate. Actually, every kind of tax, as well as no taxation, marked the Roman period. Taxes were as vital yet as unpredictable in the Roman story as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once offered to abolish all indirect taxes and make an "amazing present to the human race.” If you are 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 can be the most expensive operation in any civilization, was a citizen’s army, comprised of property owners who served for a year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and equipment. This spirit of volunteer free public service inspired all government offices. Even the judges served the city without pay. It is hard to understand the importance of this ancient practice, especially in our individualistic society, when nobody seems to want to raise a finger for the government without a fat paycheck. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation in Durham, NC.
The best method in reducing heavy taxation is to instil in every citizen a spirit of selfless service for the greater good. It isn't needed to curtail public programs and services; what is necessary is the curtailment of the spirit of gain and profit that infects public figures and contractors.
The Romans, similar to other ancient civilizations, used the great men of their civilization to deal with taxation. Taxpayers loved and admired these men, and no doubt the integrity of these great men rubbed off on the taxpayers. In contrast, modern tax practices use professional public relations contractors to manipulate taxpayers with advertising techniques that play on fear more than integrity. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies lived off of the populace 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/
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