We are closing in on that time of the year: Tax Day
Posted By RichC on April 13, 2025
I’ve been known to grumble and complain about big government and taxes most of my life, but I’m not alone. In fact, before I was even born there were versions of this poem being published in newspapers. So as April 15th nears (tax day in the U.S.), it 
seems like it should be added to MyDesultoryBlog.
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he’s fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won’t be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He’s good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he’s laid…
Put these words
Upon his tomb,
‘Taxes drove me
to my doom…’
When he’s gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges & Penalties
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
For context, here’s what Grok AI had to say:
The poem you’ve provided is a satirical take on the proliferation of taxes, written in a style reminiscent of folk poetry or protest verse. It doesn’t have a single, definitive origin tied to a specific author or publication, but it echoes sentiments found in various anti-tax movements and writings throughout history, particularly in the United States. The earliest known version of this poem, or at least a very similar one, is often attributed to an anonymous source circulating in the mid-20th century, during a time when debates over taxation were heating up in response to expanding government programs.
One popular iteration is linked to a piece titled “The Taxpayer’s Lament” or “The Tax Poem,” which began appearing in newsletters, editorials, and online forums. Some attribute a shorter version to a 1940s or 1950s newspaper column, though no precise record exists. The extended list of specific taxes at the end—covering everything from “Accounts Receivable Tax” to “Workers Compensation Tax”—seems to be a modern addition, likely compiled by someone in the late 20th or early 21st century to reflect the contemporary tax landscape. This version has been widely shared on social media, blogs, and forums, especially among libertarian or tax-reform advocates.
In short, this is a piece of folk satire with roots in mid-20th-century tax critique, expanded over time, and popularized online. Its exact origin is murky—think of it as a collective groan against bureaucracy, polished by many hands.
Comments