The Lesson in Tax Practices, Section 5: Tax and Romans
21st November 2009 by Tax Man No CommentsW. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
Now that we’re moving away from the Greeks, we finally come to the Romans. Historians often speak of Roman tax policy as “more or less legal stealing” and Roman tax collectors as “a band of thugs.” But Roman taxation wasn’t always bad. There was a two hundred year section at the peak of the Roman civilization when taxes were moderate. Actually, all kinds of tax, as well as no taxation, 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 abolish all indirect taxes and create an “amazing 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!
Romans - The Early Years
The early Roman Republic did not require much taxation because it operated with free labor. The army, which is arguably the greatest expense in every civilization, was a citizen’s military, comprised of land-owners who served for a year without pay. They even brought their own uniforms and gear. This level of volunteer free public service inspired all 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 every citizen a spirit of selfless service for the greater good. It is not needed to curtail public programs and services; what is needed is the curtailment of the spirit of gain and profit that infests public servants and contractors.
The Romans, like many ancient civilizations, used the important people of their civilization to handle taxation. Taxpayers loved and admired these men, and no doubt the integrity of these great men rubbed off on the taxpayers. By contrast, modern tax systems use professional public relations contractors to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that play on fear more than inspiration. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies lived off of the people 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/
