Tax History
History and Accounts of Tax Facts
Under Construction
Pre-Constitutional Economic History
Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot (1727 – 1781) Tax collector, physiocratic, economist, and statesman, was a key figure in the development of economic thought in the 18th century. He is best known for his work on the nature of wealth and the role of government in the economy. Turgot's ideas on taxation were particularly influential, as he argued for a system of taxation that would be fair and equitable, while also promoting economic growth. He believed that taxes should be based on the ability to pay, and that they should be used to fund public goods and services that benefit society as a whole. Turgot's work laid the groundwork for modern economic theory, and inspired other influential economic writers including Adam Smith, Thomas Paine, etc. Famous for his work on the nature of wealth and the role of government in the economy, Turgot's ideas on taxation were particularly influential. Reflections on the Formation and the Distribution of Riches. After the the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), Turgot had:
emphasized what he believed were American inadequacies. He complained that the new American state constitutions failed to adopt the physiocratic principle of distinguishing for purposes of taxation between those who owned land and those who did not, the principle of direct taxation of property holders had not been followed, and a complicated legal and administrative structure had been created to regulate commerce. Wikipedia: Turgot
Adam Smith (1723 - 1790) economist and philosopher who wrote The Wealth of Nations, first published in 1776 whose work presented a systematic canons of taxation
...that became a foundational study > in the history of economics and the first formulation of a comprehensive system of political economy. Britannica: The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith's work on taxation was particularly influential,
as he argued for a system of taxation that would be fair and equitable, while also promoting economic growth.