99% Invisible
I've Got 1099 Problems...
Apr 15, 2025
Join economist Joel Slemrod, known for his insights into tax systems, and producer Vivian Leigh as they tackle the messy world of American taxation. They explore how historical events, like the Rosetta Stone, shaped modern tax complexities. The conversation dives into the potential for return-free filing and critiques the role of tax legislation in architectural design. Discover how taxes have influenced everything from workforce dynamics at the IRS to the unique structures of cities like Amsterdam.
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Quick takeaways
- The complexity of the modern U.S. tax system causes widespread anxiety, with many spending around 13 hours preparing their income taxes.
- Historical taxation events, such as the introduction of the federal income tax, have significantly shaped socio-political movements and urban designs.
Deep dives
The Discovery of the Rosetta Stone
In 1799, French engineers in Egypt unearthed the Rosetta Stone, an artifact inscribed with a decree in three scripts: Greek, Egyptian demotic, and hieroglyphics. This discovery was crucial as it enabled researchers to decipher hieroglyphics, a writing system that had remained unreadable for 1,400 years. The text on the stone primarily discussed a tax break for temple priests, highlighting the significance of taxes in ancient societies. This event underscores how taxes are intertwined with cultural history and can shape our understanding of past civilizations.
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