Things that have been taxed in the past
Revenue raising knows no bounds. Here are some things which have had their own specific tax. It is interesting to note that some taxation was intended to change behaviour, and some a result of stopping people’s indulgence. A brief view of what and where particular things were taxed:
Beards – Russia
Windows – UK
Body piercings – Arkansas US
Bricks UK
Salt – France
Champagne – Germany
Hats – UK
Candles – UK
Cow flatulence – Denmark
Playing Cards and dice – UK
Bagels (but not bread) – New York US
Fireplaces – UK
Tattoos – Arkansas US
Soap – UK
Illegal Drugs – Tennessee US
Google – France
Wig powder – UK
Unapproved baby names – Sweden
Not smoking cigarettes – China
Urine – Ancient Rome
Tethered hot air balloons – Kansas US
Cowardice – Knights could opt out fighting in wars by paying a tax called scutage – UK
Car Accidents – Missouri US
Political opponents’ land – Oliver Cromwell UK
Patterned wallpaper (but not plain white) – UK
Litigation – Tennessee US
Slave freedom – Ancient Rome
Modesty – women were not allowed to cover their breasts, and were taxed if they did – India
Belt buckles – Texas US
Robots – South Korea
Men not being married – Missouri US
Knowledge – UK
Clocks – UK
So now you know!