Someone has rightly said that only two things are certain in this world – death and taxes. However, while some taxes may seem essential, there are some whose existence can hardly be justified. Still, it is difficult to avoid them. For instance, what if you were asked to pay tax based on the number of windows in your house or how many times you flush the toilet? Weird, right? Believe it or not, such types of taxes existed in some parts of the world once and some of them exist even today. Read on to know about some of the most weird taxes in the world, including India:
- Bachelor Tax
Remaining single might be your choice, but the state of Missouri in the United States imposes tax on bachelors (single man), which was first imposed way back in 1820. This tax is levied at $1 every year on unmarried men between 21 years and 50 years. Interestingly, Bachelor Tax was once imposed by many other countries as well – including Germany, South Africa and Italy, among others – and has now been abolished by many of them.
- Pet Tax
Towards the end of year 2017, the Punjab government announced imposing tax on the owners of different domestic animals. Two category of taxes are defined: First, Rs 250 per annum will be charged from the owners of dog, cat, sheep, pig & deer. Second, Rs 500 per annum will be charged for elephant, cow, camel, horse, buffaloe & bull.
- Tattoo Tax
People get inked to express their opinion, beliefs etc & although many countries make services provided at tattoo parlours exempt, this is not the case in Arkansas. Since 2002, the state of Arkansas levies sales tax @ 6% on inking services provided by various tattoo studios/ parlours.
- Toilet Flush Tax
To keep a check on water-consumption, Maryland imposes tax on toilet flushing excess than the allowed limit at $5 for each month (which comes to $60 for a year). The money collected through Toilet Flush Tax is used for the development of Maryland’s sewage treatment system.
PNN
