For many of us this week was a taxing experience.
With United States federal taxes needing to be postmarked by Monday we scrambled to find those last second receipts and forms that would hopefully prevent the dreaded audit.
It’s not a consolation, but taxes have always been a part of humankind.
Ancient Taxes on the Unusual
Taxes have been around since the dawn of civilization.
It would not surprise any of us that someday archeologists discover the tax return of Grog who was on his way to pay his cave tax when catastrophe struck.
When history started to be recorded, we were introduced to the concept of taxation.
In ancient times, governments needed funds to operate and provide services like roads, armies for protection, and public works. The ancient Greeks had tax systems, with citizens paying taxes based on their income and property.
Ancient Rome also levied taxes on things like inheritance, freeing of slaves, sales, and even urine collected from public toilets for use in tanning! The Empire also taxed salt and umbrellas.
Maybe this is why many of us get salty when taxes go up?
Taxes are even mentioned in the Bible.
In Matthew 17, Jesus is asked if he should pay the temple tax. Rather than argue, he instructs Peter to go fishing and use the coin found in the first fish's mouth to pay both their taxes.
History has shown that other civilizations have taxed unusual items as well. Ancient Egyptians taxed cooking oil and the Chinese emperor in the 17th century had a tax on precious objects like rhino horns and goblin-shaped roots.
A Revolting Result of Taxes
Of course, people have never liked paying taxes, leading to numerous tax revolts throughout history.
History has shown revolts were made throughout time. The Nika in Constantinople was initially sparked by public objection to Emperor Justinian I's taxation policies. In 1648 the French and Russian monarchies both taxed their citizenry which led to revolts. For both countries, it was again over salt. You would think that Louis XIV and Alexei I would have learned from the Romans.
But that was nothing compared to what happened about 120 years later. Of course we are talking about the American Revolution.
Starting with the Stamp Act that required printed materials to carry an embossed stamp to The Townshend Acts that placed duties on imported goods like glass, paint, lead, paper, and tea in the colonies. Colonial merchants organized boycotts against these taxes.
It was The Tea Act of 1773 that caused things to boil over and accelerate the movement toward independence. The infamous Boston Tea Party and the resulting British push back ignited our Founding Fathers to finally act and cry "No taxation without representation" to rally the patriot cause.
Tax revolts continue today. Political action groups are constantly being formed to deal with both local, state, and national taxes. Controversies over tax rates, loopholes, and debates over how tax revenues should be spent are common rallying points for us today.
The AI Revolution
But there is also a revolt small businesses wage daily. It is against that greatest of foes, time.
Leading the resistance is new technology led by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI and technology are streamlining operations for small businesses around the globe.
AI is even helping us in tax preparation.
Rather than poring over receipts and manually filling out forms, AI can now scan expenses, track deductions, and even file taxes electronically! Apps can automate bookkeeping while AI services can handle sales taxes across multiple jurisdictions.
Tax preparation services connect taxpayers with CPAs through video chat for personalized tax advice and use an AI backbone to ensure that the average person does the process correctly.
For small businesses, time is money - which makes AI tax tools extremely valuable.
By automating tedious paperwork and calculations, entrepreneurs can focus on growth and new opportunities.
Freeing Your Taxing Time with AI Magic
Your AI Wizards understands that time management is a taxing endeavor for a small business.
Let’s start with the time-consuming process of marketing, namely chasing leads.
We have a tool that will help you identify and start the sales process to opted in website visitors. Our Website Data Pro (WDP) tool does just that.
Data can be downloaded within minutes of their visit and since they are looking and have opted in, selling can begin while they are hot in pursuit of your products or services.
The best part is that there is a TWO-WEEK FREE TRIAL so you can see how it works.
The Wizards are also in the process of helping you create more time by finding a solution for your content creation.
We are working with industries and creating premade content and graphics for small businesses powered by AI.
Look for the official announcement of Your AI Business Store (AIBS) real soon.
If you are interested, contact us for more information by scheduling a FREE consultation. We would love to hear from you to add more volumes to our store.
Forming A Final Opinion
There is an old saying that death and taxes are inevitable.
That is true, but what is also inevitable is that humans want to avoid both as much as possible.
With AI as your partner, the tax part and the running of your business is much easier.
You're on your own with death.
Want to see AI in action? Join us on April 30th, Your AI Wizards is excited to offer the seminar AI In Reach: Practical AI for 2024. Space is filling up fast, so to reserve your spot sign up today. Go to the home page and click the Upcoming Events button. We’re looking forward to seeing you there to start your own AI revolution.
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