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

Finally moving away from Greece, we finally are at the Romans. Historians usually speak of Roman tax policy as “more or less legal stealing” and Roman tax men as “a band of robbers.” However, 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, all kinds of taxation, as well as no taxation, marked the Roman period. Taxation was as necessary yet as unpredictable in the Roman story as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once offered to get rid of all indirect taxes and create 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 military, composed of land-owners who served for 1 year without pay. They even brought their own uniforms and gear. This level of volunteer free public service extended to all government offices. Even the magistrates served the government without pay. It is difficult to understand the importance of this ancient practice, especially in our age, when no one 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 ideal way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in all citizens a spirit of unselfish service for the public good. It is not necessary to limit 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 many ancient civilizations, used the important people of their society to handle tax assessments. Taxpayers loved and admired these men, and no doubt the integrity of these powerful men rubbed off on the taxpayers. In contrast, modern tax systems use professional public relations officers to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that play on fear more than inspiration. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies began living off of the people 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/