The Lesson in Tax Practices, Part 5: Taxes and The Romans
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 come to the Roman Empire. Historians usually refer to Roman taxation as “more or less legal stealing” and Roman tax men as “a band of thieves.” However, Roman taxation wasn’t always corrupt. There was a two hundred year period at the peak of the Roman civilization when taxation was modest. Actually, every kind of tax, as well as no taxation, marked the Roman period. Taxation was as necessary but as unpredictable in the Roman Empire as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once offered to abolish all indirect taxes and create 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 Republic – The Early Years
The early Roman Republic did not require much taxation because it operated with free labor. The military, which can be the greatest expense in any civilization, 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 level of volunteer free public service extended to all government offices. Even the magistrates worked for the government for free. It is difficult to conceive the importance of this ancient practice, especially in our individualistic society, 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 Raleigh, NC.
The ideal way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in every citizen a spirit of selfless service for the public good. It is not needed 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, like many ancient civilizations, used the important people of their civilization to handle tax law. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these powerful men rubbed off on the taxpayers. By contrast, modern tax systems 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/
