The Oddest Taxes in History: Cheese, Candles, and Beards

Taxes have always been a part of life, from the roads we drive on to the healthcare we rely on. But throughout history, governments have come up with some truly bizarre ways to generate revenue. From taxing playing cards to charging people for their beards, these unusual taxes leave us scratching our heads—and provide endless entertainment for history lovers! Get your light bulb moment as we uncover a world that blends cheese, candles, and even window taxes. Some of these might seem silly, but they reveal a lot about the way societies think and adapt during tough financial times. 1. The Cheese Tax 🧀 Medieval Europe's Tastiest Taxation This strange tax is one for dairy lovers. During the Middle Ages in Europe—particularly in England and France—cheese was considered such a valuable commodity that monarchies literally profited from it. Since dairy farming was essential to local economies and sustenance, taxing cheese production was seen as one of the easiest ways to fill government coffers. But this didn’t apply to everyone. Nobles were often granted the privilege of tax-free cheese-making, leaving commoners to foot the bill. Modern Parallels Wouldn't it be wild if cheeses like Brie or Cheddar came with a luxury tax in today’s local supermarkets? Thankfully, modern taxation has evolved. But for a fun comparison, you can explore excise taxes still applied to everyday goods like alcohol or sugary drinks at HM Revenue & Customs. 2. The Candle Tax 🕯️ Enlightenment Comes at a Cost If you lived in 18th-century England, taxes extended quite literally into your home. Introduced in 1709, the candle tax was levied because candles were essential for lighting. It may sound ridiculous today, but back then, candles were the lifeblood of households during the dark hours. Households resorted to creative workarounds, such as crafting homemade candles to dodge taxes. This led to illegal ""candle factories"" that could easily rival Prohibition-era speakeasies in terms of ingenuity.Lasting Impact Interestingly, it’s this period of strict taxation that may have contributed to conservation behaviours—a good example of how policy can alter consumer behaviour. For a modern twist, current energy conservation taxes can be read more about over at UK Energy Saving. 3. The Playing Card Tax 🃏 A Gamble Worth Taxing Playing cards became more than just a pastime in 18th-century England—they became taxable property. Since gambling was growing in popularity, lawmakers decided it was a prime target for revenue collection. To enforce payment, every playing card deck had to bear an official stamp. Unsurprisingly, this led to a rise in forgeries; owning unstamped cards became a crime punishable by harsh sentences, including death. A New Meaning to “High Stakes” Paying taxes on leisure items is actually still common today. Packs of cards may not attract tariffs anymore, but taxes on things like cinema tickets and digital streaming services continue to rake in revenue. For more, check the modern-day entertainment tax rates at GOV.UK. 4. The Beard Tax 🧔💷 When Facial Hair Became Fashion Capital This might be one of the quirkiest examples. Russia’s Tsar Peter the Great famously introduced a beard tax in 1698 as part of his plans to modernise Russia. Beards were deemed outdated, so men with beards had to pay for the right to keep them. Men who paid received a nifty copper or silver “beard token.” Those who couldn’t show proof of payment risked having their beards shaved off immediately in public.Would This Work in 2025? Fashion taxes are not unheard of (luxury fashion brands already experience VATs). Imagine if men in Shoreditch had to pay to keep their on-trend moustaches in check! 5. The Hat Tax 🎩 Taxing Status, One Brim at a Time Hats were much more than accessories in 18th-century England—they were symbols of social status. It’s no wonder, then, that the government introduced a hat tax to make the wealthy contribute more. But the unintended consequences were hilariously inventive. People started designing hats that technically didn’t meet the “hat” definition to avoid being taxed. Result? New and bizarre fashion trends. Modern Relevance Think taxes on luxury handbags or designer sneakers. The idea of taxing status symbols persists. Look up “sin taxes” for material goods on Tax Foundation. 6. The Window Tax 🏠🪟 Before It Was Income Tax Before income tax was introduced, the number of windows in a house determined your tax bracket in England (introduced in 1696). Families who didn’t want to pay more simply bricked up their windows, which inadvertently created poorer ventilation and darker homes. Fun fact? You can still spot bricked-up windows in older UK buildings today because of this law – a playful remnant of tax history! 7. The Bachelor Tax 👨‍💼❌ Taxing Love (or the Lack of It) Societies throughout history—from Ancient Rome to Britain and even the USSR—introduced Bachelor Taxes to encourage population growth. Singles were charged a fee for remaining unmarried. But this didn’t always lead to love stories. Some men married hurriedly—or even stayed married on paper—just to avoid paying. Modern Reflections Would love taxes fly today? Considering legal breaks like marriage tax allowance in the UK, it seems some remnants of 'family incentivisation' remain. Taxes Tell a Story of Their Time From the cheese tax to window-trapped sunshine, whimsical levies remind us that taxation has long reflected the priorities, beliefs, and even quirks of the ruling governments of their era. Today’s taxes are far less odd (thankfully). However, modern businesses and individuals face their own set of challenges in navigating the complex world of taxation. Whether you’re a self-employed professional or a business owner, Virtue Accountants are here to simplify it for you. Get in touch with our team for a stress-free tax solution.