Researchers, students and those who want to learn more about taxation will find the Museum of Taxes fascinating. The museum was established by the State Revenue Administration of the Ministry of Finance in 1964. The original offices were on Agron Street before relocating in 2006 to its current location on Agripas Street and updating and computerizing many displays.
The idea behind establishing the museum was to explain to the public the importance of proper management of taxes, to show the link between the tax office and a citizen’s daily life and to create a central point for all information and visual material pertaining to the subject of taxation in Israel and in Jewish communities of the diaspora from the ancient world till now. The museum collection comprises documents, certificates, photographs and other items on topics that include:
• Taxes of the ancient world and in biblical texts • State taxes in Jewish communities of the Diaspora • Taxation in Israel during the Ottoman Period, the British Mandate and following the establishment of the State of Israel • The development of the marking system as proof of payment of taxes • Prevention of smuggling and importation of illegal goods (such as gambling accessories, weaponry, drugs) • International relations in the field of taxation • Taxation around the world • Taxation as part of Israel's foreign policy • A display of letters by famous personalities querying tax authorities, such as Ben-Gurion, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Leah Goldberg and Ze’ev Vilnai.
Each display has an English description.
Entrance is free of charge, and museum visits should be coordinated in advance by phone with Mira Dror: +972-2-625-7597 or +972-2-531-7332 or +972-50-620-8458 (mobile).
