A History of 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 finally are at the Roman Empire. Scholars often speak of Roman taxation as “more or less organized stealing” and Roman tax collectors as “a band of thugs.” However, Roman tax law was not always corrupt. 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. Taxation was as vital 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 every indirect tax 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!
The Roman Republic - 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 military, comprised of land-owners who served for a year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and equipment. This spirit of volunteer free public service inspired most 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, 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 all citizens a spirit of unselfish 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 servants and contractors.
The Romans, like other ancient civilizations, used the great men of their civilization to deal with 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 contractors to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that play on fear more than integrity. Trouble began, 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/
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