Annual Tax Quiz – Quirky Tax Facts!
From quirky tax laws to surprising deductions, this fun 10-question multiple choice quiz will test your knowledge about interesting tax facts from here and around the world. Let’s see how you do!
1. Given our British origins, let’s start with a fun English tax fact. What was taxed in England during the 17th century, resulting in an abundance of bald heads?
A. Hats B. Hair powder C. Wigs D. Shampoo
- Answer: C – Wigs
In 1795, England taxed wig powder, causing many to stop wearing wigs altogether.
2. Which U.S. president introduced the first federal income tax?
A. Abraham Lincoln B. George Washington C. Franklin D. Roosevelt D. Theodore Roosevelt
- Answer: A – Abraham Lincoln
The first federal income tax was introduced in 1861 to fund the Civil War. As promised, after the war ended, so too did the income tax, only to be re-introduced in the early 1900s.
3. What strange item did the IRS allow a bodybuilder to deduct as a business expense?
A. Body oil B. Protein shakes C. Tanning lotion D. Ostrich eggs
- Answer: A – Body oil
The IRS allowed a bodybuilder to deduct body oil as it was deemed ordinary and necessary for his competitions.
4. In which country was a window tax imposed, leading to bricked-up windows in older buildings?
A. France B. England C. Germany D. Italy
- Answer: B – England
The window tax was introduced in 1696, with many homeowners bricking up their windows to avoid the tax.
5. What is the nickname for the U.S. tax system due to its progressive nature?
A. Robin Hood Tax System B. Pay-As-You-Go C. Tax the Rich System D. The Graduated Tax
- Answer: D – The Graduated Tax
The U.S. tax system is called graduated because rates increase with income levels. It is also known as a progressive tax system.
6. What popular children’s activity was taxed in Arkansas in 1990, sparking outrage?
A. Playgrounds B. Hula hoops C. Swing sets D. Clown shows
- Answer: B – Hula hoops
Arkansas briefly taxed hula hoops in 1990, considering them a recreational activity.
7. Which of the following pets were successfully deducted as a business expense?
A. A cat used for pest control in a junkyard B. A dog trained to sniff out counterfeit money C. A parrot that served as an office greeter D. A goldfish for calming customers
- Answer: A – A cat used for pest control
A junkyard owner successfully deducted a cat’s care as a business expense.
8. What is the origin of the word tax?
A. It comes from the Latin word taxo, meaning I evaluate. B. It derives from Old French taxer, meaning to split. C. It originates from Greek, meaning to take. D. It stems from the ancient Sanskrit word for tribute.
- Answer: A
It comes from the Latin word taxo, meaning I evaluate.
9. In 2013, which country imposed a tax on people with tattoos in a drive to regulate body art?
A. South Korea B. Hungary C. Japan D. Australia
- Answer: B – Hungary
Hungary introduced a tax on tattoos and piercings as part of a health-related initiative.
10. What unusual tax was levied by Roman Emperor Vespasian in 70 AD to raise funds for public works?
A. A beard tax B. A urine tax C. A laughter tax D. A sandal tax
- Answer: B – A urine tax
Emperor Vespasian taxed urine, which was used in ancient Rome for tanning leather and laundering clothes.
How Did You Score?
9–10 Correct: Tax Trivia Master! Are you secretly a tax historian?
6–8 Correct: Impressive! You’ve got a solid grasp on quirky tax facts.
3–5 Correct: Not bad! Your brain knows a bit of interesting tax trivia.
0–2 Correct: You live a wonderful life, unencumbered with unusual tax laws in your memories.