The Lesson in Taxation, Part 5: 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 getting away from Greece, we finally are at the Roman Empire. Historians usually refer to Roman taxation as “more or less legal stealing” and Roman tax collectors as “a bunch of thieves.” But Roman tax law wasn’t always corrupt. There was a 200-year section at the zenith of the Roman civilization when taxes were modest. Actually, every kind of tax, as well as no taxes, characterized the Roman period. Taxes were 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 abolish all indirect taxes and make a “beautiful 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!

Romans – The Early Years

The early Roman Republic required little taxation because it operated with free labor. The military, which can be the most expensive operation in every society, was a citizen’s army, composed of property owners who served for a 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 for free. It is hard 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 Durham, NC.

The ideal method in reducing heavy taxation is to instil in all citizens a spirit of unselfish service for the public good. It isn’t needed to limit public programs and services; what is necessary 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 these men, 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 techniques that utilize fear more than inspiration. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies lived 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.

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