TAX TIDBIT: SIX HUNDRED SALTY YEARS

In France, from the 14th Century until 1946 (minus short repeals), citizens paid the "Gabelle" tax. In its original form, prior to the 14th Century, the Gabelle was an indirect tax on agricultural products and commodities like spices and wine. However, from the 14th Century onward, the word "Gabelle" was only used to refer to the salt tax. The salt tax was repealed and reinstated numerous times over six hundred years before being completely stricken from the books in 1946.