W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…

Now that we are getting away from Greece, we now are at the Roman Empire. Historians often refer to Roman taxation as “more or less legal robbery” and Roman tax collectors as “a band of robbers.” But Roman taxation was not always corrupt. There was a 200-year period at the peak of the Roman civilization when taxation was modest. Actually, every kind of tax, as well as no taxes, marked the Roman period. Taxes were as vital but as unpredictable in the Roman Empire as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once offered to get rid of 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 Cary, 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 is arguably the most expensive operation in every society, was a citizen’s military, comprised of land-owners who served for one year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and gear. This spirit of volunteer free public service inspired all government offices. Even the magistrates worked for the city without pay. It is difficult to understand the importance of this ancient practice, especially in our individualistic society, where 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 Raleigh, 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 limit 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, like other ancient civilizations, used the important men of their civilization to deal with tax assessments. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these important men rubbed off on the taxpayers. By contrast, modern tax systems use professional public relations contractors 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.

http://www.marccpa.com/

Popularity: 2% [?]