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

Now that we are moving away from the Greeks, we now are at the Roman Empire. Historians usually 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 Empire when taxes were moderate. Actually, every kind of taxation, as well as no taxes, marked the Roman period. Taxes were as necessary but as unpredictable in the Roman Empire as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The arguably insane emperor Nero once offered to abolish all indirect taxes and create a “wonderful present to the human race.” If you’re feeling the pressure with today’s taxes, call a Tax Preparer in Raleigh, NC for all your tax-related needs!

The Roman Empire - The Early Years

The early Roman Republic did not require much taxation because it operated with free labor. The military, which is arguably the greatest expense in any society, was a citizen’s army, composed of land-owners who served for one year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and gear. This level of volunteer free public service inspired all government offices. Even the magistrates served the city without pay. It is difficult to understand the importance of this ancient practice, especially in our age, when no one seems willing to lift a finger for the government without a fat paycheck. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation in Cary, 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 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 people 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. In 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 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/

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