A Lesson in Taxation Practices, Part Five: Tax Law and The Roman Empire

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 now are at the Roman Empire. Scholars usually refer to Roman tax policy as “more or less legal stealing” and Roman tax collectors as “a band of thugs.” But Roman tax law wasn’t always corrupt. 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 taxation, characterized the Roman period. Taxation was as vital yet as unpredictable in the Roman Empire as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The arguably insane emperor Nero once advised to abolish all indirect taxes and make a “wonderful 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 Republic - The Early Years

The early Roman Republic required little taxation because it operated with free labor. The army, which is arguably the most expensive operation in every society, was a citizen’s army, composed of property owners who served for one year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and equipment. This spirit of volunteer free public service inspired all government offices. Even the magistrates served the government without pay. It is hard to conceive 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 Cary, NC.

The ideal way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in every citizen a spirit of unselfish service for the greater good. It isn’t needed to limit public programs and services; what is needed is the curtailment of the spirit of gain and profit that infests public figures and contractors.

The Romans, similar to many ancient civilizations, used the great men of their society to deal with tax law. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these important men rubbed off on the taxpayers. By contrast, modern tax practices use professional public relations officers to manipulate taxpayers with advertising campaigns that utilize fear more than integrity. Trouble began, however, when Roman armies began living off of the populace 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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