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The Lesson in Tax Practices, Section 5: Taxes and The Romans

W. Marc Gilfillan

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 come to the Romans. Historians usually speak of Roman taxation as “more or less legal robbery” and Roman tax collectors as “a bunch of robbers.” But Roman tax law was not always corrupt. There was a 200-year section at the peak of the Roman Empire when taxes were modest. Actually, all kinds of taxation, as well as no taxes, characterized the Roman period. Taxation was as vital 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 every indirect tax and make an “amazing 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!

 

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 most expensive operation in any society, was a citizen’s army, comprised 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 most government offices. Even the judges worked for the city without pay. It is difficult to conceive 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 ideal way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in all citizens a spirit of unselfish service for the greater good. It isn’t necessary to curtail 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, similar to many ancient civilizations, used the important people of their society to handle taxation. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these great 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 integrity. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies lived 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/

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