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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 Romans. Scholars often refer to Roman taxation as “more or less legal robbery” and Roman tax collectors as “a band of robbers.” But Roman tax law wasn’t always bad. There was a two hundred year section at the zenith of the Roman civilization when taxation was moderate. Actually, every kind of tax, as well as no taxes, marked the Roman period. Taxation was as necessary but as unpredictable in the Roman story as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once offered to abolish 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 did not require much taxation because it operated with free labor. The military, which is arguably the most expensive operation in any civilization, was a citizen’s military, composed of land-owners who served for a year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and equipment. This level of volunteer free public service extended to all government offices. Even the magistrates served the city without pay. It is difficult to conceive the validity of this ancient practice, especially in our age, 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 public good. It is not necessary to limit 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, similar to many ancient civilizations, used the great men of their society to deal with taxation. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these powerful men rubbed off on the taxpayers. By contrast, modern tax practices use professional public relations contractors to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that utilize fear more than inspiration. Trouble began, however, when Roman armies began living 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/