Even medieval serfs did not pay taxes like normal people do now, all over the world. I think Medieval lords only had the right to take 10%, so that they could give their 10% to the King.
If they took more, the serf could complain to the king.
You see, the seemingly (sometimes labeled communist) medievals (e.g. the Christian revolution, and also the Normans, who were also Christian) had an ancient memory of the brutality of Roman taxes:
Land and Property Tax (Tributum): The primary direct tax. Conquered provinces paid a flat agricultural rate or a tithe (decuma), usually taking (10%) of their crop yields.
Poll Tax (Tributum capitis): A head tax generally levied on residents of the provinces.
Citizen Taxes: Remarkably, Roman citizens living in Italy were exempt from direct taxation for centuries after 167 BC due to the vast wealth pouring in from conquests. However, they paid a wealth tax on property and slaves, typically (1%) in peacetime and up to (3%) during war.
Customs Duties (Portoria): Tariffs and tolls levied on goods crossing provincial borders, entering cities, or using certain bridges.
Transaction Taxes: Included a (4%) tax on the sale of slaves, a (1%) tax on auction goods, and a (5%) tax on inheritances to fund military pensions.
So you see, we are still living in Roman times, in a way.
Even medieval serfs did not pay taxes like normal people do now, all over the world. I think Medieval lords only had the right to take 10%, so that they could give their 10% to the King.
If they took more, the serf could complain to the king.
You see, the seemingly (sometimes labeled communist) medievals (e.g. the Christian revolution, and also the Normans, who were also Christian) had an ancient memory of the brutality of Roman taxes:
Land and Property Tax (Tributum): The primary direct tax. Conquered provinces paid a flat agricultural rate or a tithe (decuma), usually taking (10%) of their crop yields.
Poll Tax (Tributum capitis): A head tax generally levied on residents of the provinces.
Citizen Taxes: Remarkably, Roman citizens living in Italy were exempt from direct taxation for centuries after 167 BC due to the vast wealth pouring in from conquests. However, they paid a wealth tax on property and slaves, typically (1%) in peacetime and up to (3%) during war.
Customs Duties (Portoria): Tariffs and tolls levied on goods crossing provincial borders, entering cities, or using certain bridges.
Transaction Taxes: Included a (4%) tax on the sale of slaves, a (1%) tax on auction goods, and a (5%) tax on inheritances to fund military pensions.
So you see, we are still living in Roman times, in a way.
Thanks dandy!