A clean slate - WSB about curious types of tax

Today's tax topic takes us into rather delicate territory: it's about the "quiet room" - or, to be more precise, about one of the most bizarre tax ideas in history and the origin of a well-known saying.

But first, let's take a quick look at the present as an introduction: Are you perhaps also annoyed every now and then about the one euro you have to pay at highway toilets?

Take comfort in the fact that people in ancient Rome already felt the same way. Back then there was a "latrine tax"!

When the state coffers were empty, creativity was not long in coming. Around the year 70 AD, the Roman Emperor Vespasian needed to improve his budget and invented the so-called latrine tax without further ado.

Now, attention, interesting historical knowledge follows: In those days, urine was in great demand because of the ammonia it contained. Amphorae were placed around busy streets to extract it. And by imperial decree, the placement of amphorae became taxable.

Vespasian's son Titus was outraged at first, but ... as you can imagine, he also realized - money doesn't stink.

And now, attention, another knowledge spoiler 😉: This saying actually goes back to Emperor Vespasian, who held a handful of sestertii under his son's nose to justify the new tax, which came from the first proceeds of the new tax. Titus could not detect any stench. Oh well. 😊

👉 By the way: we are not only familiar with historical taxes. Are you looking for a competent tax expert?
We at WSB are happy to assist you up to date, in the here and now 😊. Get in touch with us:
www.wsb-berater.com/kontakt

#CleanMatter #KuriosisTax #LatrineTax #TTaxKnowledge #WSB