What Funny Facts About the History of Taxes Should You Know?

Taxes might not usually be a source of laughter, but believe it or not, the history of taxation is packed with bizarre moments, hilarious laws, and eyebrow-raising tax rules. From ancient beer taxes to strange U.S. deductions, governments have always found inventive—and sometimes ridiculous—ways to fund their operations.

Here are some of the funniest and most surprising facts from the long, quirky history of taxes that might just make you chuckle (and maybe even appreciate your CPA a little more).

1. The First Taxation System Was on Beer and Cooking Oil

The world’s earliest recorded taxes go all the way back to ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE. Egyptians were taxed on everything from crops to cooking oil—and yes, even beer.

Tax collectors would literally measure how much oil was being used and make sure no one reused oil to avoid paying the tax again. You could say the IRS of the Nile was all about “quality control”!

2. Window Tax: A Literal Tax on Sunlight

In 17th century England, King William III introduced a “window tax.” The idea was to tax wealthier homeowners who could afford more windows. The unintended side effect? Homeowners began bricking up their windows to avoid the tax.

Many older buildings in the UK still show the signs—blocked windows sealed with bricks, all thanks to this oddly sunny tax rule. In fact, this tax was so infamous that it gave rise to the phrase “daylight robbery.”

3. Peter the Great Taxed Beards to Modernize Russia

Peter the Great of Russia wanted to westernize the country in the late 1600s, and that included encouraging Russian men to shave their beards. So what did he do?

He imposed a beard tax. Men who wanted to keep their beards had to carry a “beard token” proving they had paid. This wasn’t just vanity—it was state policy in the name of modernization!

4. The Ancient Roman “Urine Tax”

Yes, you read that right. Roman Emperor Vespasian introduced a tax on public urinals, since urine was actually used in tanning leather and even laundering clothes (due to the ammonia).

The expression “Money doesn’t stink” comes from this era—literally. When Vespasian’s son criticized the tax, the emperor held up a coin and asked whether it smelled. It didn’t. The logic: if it brings in money, it’s clean enough.

5. The U.S. Once Had a Tax on Playing Cards

In the 18th century, England (and later the U.S.) taxed playing cards. This was a luxury tax aimed at wealthier gamblers and aristocrats. The highest tax applied to the ace of spades, which had to carry a government seal proving the tax was paid.

Some believe this is why the ace of spades became the most decorated and iconic card in the deck.

6. Illegal to Be a Bachelor?

In 1695, England introduced a tax on bachelors over the age of 25. The idea was to incentivize marriage and boost the population. Similar taxes were later enacted in other countries like Russia and even the U.S. in some states.

Imagine filing taxes today and getting fined for being single!

7. The United States Once Taxed Cow Flatulence (Sort Of)

In recent years, environmental regulation led to serious discussions about taxing cow methane emissions in places like New Zealand and the U.S. While not exactly a full-on “cow fart tax,” the idea was to regulate greenhouse gases—including emissions from livestock.

Funny or not, it’s a reminder of how taxes continue to evolve with science and climate change.

8. Some Strange Modern-Day Deductions Actually Work

Ever wonder what weird things people have tried to write off on their taxes?

Here are a few of the oddest real-life examples that the IRS has (shockingly) approved:

• A bodybuilder who deducted body oil as a business expense—since it was essential for competitions.
• A swimming pool that was allowed as a deduction because the taxpayer’s doctor recommended swimming for arthritis.
• A cat whose care expenses were deducted by a junkyard owner, claiming the cat was working full-time on pest control.

It’s not what you’d expect when thinking “business expenses,” but under the right circumstances, even pets can become tax-deductible employees.

9. In Texas, You’re Taxed Differently for Sliced Bagels

Texas tax law states that whole bagels are tax-free, but if you slice the bagel at the shop, it’s now a “prepared food” and subject to sales tax.

It’s a pretty thin line between breakfast and bureaucracy.

10. Alaska Once Gave a Tax Credit for Whaling

In Alaska, there was once a legitimate tax deduction for whale hunters—available to Native Alaskan whalers to help support traditional hunting methods. It’s a great example of how some state-level tax credits are deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

It’s one of those only-in-Alaska tax laws that would confuse most CPAs… unless you’re from SD Bookkeeping, of course.

11. Canada’s “Adult Coloring Book” Tax Ruling

In 2017, the Canadian Revenue Agency declared that adult coloring books were not “books” for tax exemption purposes, but rather “toy-like” items. This meant they were subject to the federal sales tax.

Apparently, coloring inside the lines costs extra.

12. Tax Season = Strange Excuses

HMRC (the UK tax authority) regularly shares the funniest excuses people give for filing taxes late. Some real gems include:

• “My hamster ate the mail.”
• “I was up a mountain and couldn’t get Wi-Fi.”
• “My dog doesn’t like postmen, so I never got the form.”

While funny, these excuses didn’t hold up. Sorry, Rover.

How We Can Help

At SD Bookkeeping by Paul Anderson, we believe tax season doesn’t have to be terrifying—or boring. Sure, taxes have a strange history filled with laugh-out-loud facts, but when it comes to your bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services, we take our work seriously.

Whether you’re trying to maximize deductions (the legal ones, not the llama farm you’re “thinking” of opening), avoid costly mistakes, or prepare for tax season stress-free, we’re here to guide you through it all with professionalism, precision, and maybe a sense of humor too.

As one of San Diego’s highest-ranked CPA firms on Google and Yelp, we proudly offer:

• Personalized bookkeeping and accounting
• Clear and strategic tax planning
• Friendly, transparent communication
• Compliance with all current tax regulations—without the confusing jargon

Let us take the tax burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most. And if you have any fun tax questions, we won’t judge.

Reach out today—you’ll be glad you did (and your wallet will thank you too).