Government Revenue Without Taxes

I would be interested in the boards opinion on what are the most viable methods for a government to raise revenue without the onerous imposition of direct taxes (including duties/levees etc). By viable I mean can the proposed measure generate sufficient revenue to cover state expenditure.

I would also like to know how administratively sophisticated a government would need to be in order to employ non-tax revenue raising measures (ie how early can such measures be implemented - hence placement in the pre-1900 forum).

Not looking to start a flame war here so if we could focus on the economics and not the politics it would be appreciated.
 
State owned monopolies of goods. Paper, glass, etc. In essence, a government who sells items to citizens and uses the profits to fund other ventures such as the military. Of course, like all monopolies they would be inefficient, but since the state has all the guns, who's going to complain?
 
Custom dues and measures that encourage trade (thereby increasing the in-take of custom dues) is a good start.

The sale of monopolies and licenses to merchants dealing in importation and exportation.

Heavy fining as the punishment for the majority of crimes.

Hefty inheritance taxes and hefty taxes for subjects/citizens of 'incorrect' religion.
 
Ownership of all land by the government, with the people paying rent for use of the land, with different rents for different kinds of people and activities. Basically taxes, but not called taxes.
 
I wonder if a mix of government monopolies, (which then license competitive contractors to actually run the government's businesses, where the contractors get a 'cut' for running the business profitably), and 'bond' drives, (which are for set time periods and for specific things), might not be a better way to go.

I envision the government having a monopoly in a given area, and then granting licenses to multiple, competitive groups. This way, a built in incentive is in place for those that can run the government owned businesses more profitably, while at the same time ensuring that all laws and standards are uniformly applied and obeyed. It would also eliminate instances where businesses fail to modernise or otherwise spend capitol to improve efficiency, safety, or whatever.
 
A system not too different from feudalism?

Yup, basically, although its could also be considered quasi-Georgist. The government of Israel, in concert with the JNF, actually does this to this day. I would love to see a TL in which an absolutist monarchy survives into the modern day, and continues to own all of the nation's land directly.
 
State owned monopolies of goods. Paper, glass, etc. In essence, a government who sells items to citizens and uses the profits to fund other ventures such as the military. Of course, like all monopolies they would be inefficient, but since the state has all the guns, who's going to complain?
I like that actually..
 
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