10 Weird Taxes Governments Once Collected
This is a rundown of unusual taxes that show just how far governments went to fill their coffers.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Taxes have always been part of life, but some of the ones imposed in history sound more like jokes than actual laws. These unusual levies reveal how creativity, desperation, and even vanity shaped tax systems across centuries. What might sound absurd today once brought in serious revenue.
1. 1. The Window Tax
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In 17th-century England, houses were taxed based on the number of windows. To dodge fees, many people bricked up their windows, leaving their homes darker and less healthy. The phrase “daylight robbery” is often linked to this infamous tax.
2. 2. The Beard Tax
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Russian Emperor Peter the Great introduced a tax on beards in 1698 to encourage men to adopt Western styles. Those who wanted to keep their beards had to pay a fee and carry a token as proof. It was less about money and more about cultural reform.
3. 3. The Soap Tax
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In 17th-century England, soap was taxed so heavily that it became a luxury item. The tax discouraged cleanliness and public health until it was finally repealed in the 1800s. It’s a reminder that even hygiene was once a privilege.
4. 4. The Urine Tax
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Ancient Rome saw value in everything, even urine. Emperor Vespasian taxed public urinals because urine was used in tanning leather and bleaching clothes. His name lives on in the French word for urinals: vespasiennes.
5. 5. The Playing Card Tax
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In England and France, decks of cards carried a tax stamp to prove payment. Counterfeiters who forged these stamps faced severe punishments. Something meant for fun became a risky business thanks to this levy.
6. 6. The Brick Tax
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Britain once charged taxes on every brick produced, pushing builders to use larger bricks to save money. This created oddly shaped structures that can still be seen today. The tax was so disruptive that it was eventually repealed.
7. 7. The Cow Flatulence Tax
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Modern governments have also tried unusual taxes, including one in New Zealand on cow emissions. The idea was to offset the environmental impact of methane. Farmers protested, calling it the “fart tax.”
8. 8. The Candle Tax
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In 18th-century Britain, candles were taxed, making artificial light expensive. Poorer households often went without, relying on daylight instead. The tax lasted for more than a century before being scrapped.
9. 9. The Calendar Tax
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When Britain switched calendars in 1752, conspiracy theories suggested the government had imposed a “calendar tax.” Though largely a myth, many people believed their lives were being shortened by 11 days. The uproar shows how mistrust of taxes runs deep.
10. 10. The Wallpaper Tax
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Decorative wallpaper was once subject to a tax in Britain, based on how it was printed. Creative homeowners got around it by using stencils and paint instead. It was one of many levies that turned design into a costly indulgence.