Revenue stamps

Revenue stamps are adhesive labels used to collect taxes or fees on documents, tobacco, alcoholic drinks, drugs and medicines, playing cards, hunting licenses, firearm registration, and many other things. Historically, they were a significant source of revenue for governments. Revenue stamps are considered a form of fiscal stamp, which also includes stamps for foreign exchange, unemployment, and other fiscal fees.

History

The use of revenue stamps dates back to the early 17th century in the Netherlands. The concept quickly spread to other countries as a way for governments to generate income. In the United States, the first revenue stamps were issued in 1862, to help fund the Civil War. The United Kingdom has used revenue stamps since the 1690s, initially on playing cards and legal documents.

Types

Revenue stamps can be categorized by their use. Some common types include:

• Documentary Stamps: These are used on documents like contracts, wills, and receipts.
• Excise Stamps: Applied to goods such as tobacco, alcohol, and medicines.
• License Stamps: Required for certain activities, like hunting or operating a vehicle.
• Court Fee Stamps: Used to pay for legal processes and documents.

Collecting

Collecting revenue stamps, known as fiscal philately, is a popular hobby. Collectors often specialize in stamps from a particular country or type. The study and collection of revenue stamps offer insights into the economic, social, and political history of a region.

Modern Use

While the use of physical revenue stamps has declined with the advent of electronic filing and taxation systems, they are still used in many countries. In some cases, revenue stamps have been replaced by Tax Stamps, which serve a similar purpose but are often applied to specific products like cigarettes and alcohol.

See Also

• Postage Stamp
• Philately
• Taxation