A tax levied by church , comprised one - tenth of the agricultural produce is called tithes whereas tax to be paid directly to the state is called taille....

Tithes and Tailles: Explained

Introduction
During the French Revolution, many economic and social reforms were implemented to address the inequality and financial burdens faced by the common people. Two key issues that were targeted for reform were tithes and tailles. While both concepts relate to taxation, they differ in their nature and impact on society.

Tithes
- Tithes were a form of tax imposed by the Catholic Church, where individuals were required to pay one-tenth (10%) of their income or produce to the clergy.
- This tax was levied on the peasantry, who were primarily engaged in agricultural activities. The nobility and clergy were exempt from paying tithes.
- Tithes were a significant burden on the peasantry as it reduced their income and limited their ability to improve their standard of living.
- The collection of tithes was often enforced by the Church, and failure to pay could result in severe penalties or excommunication.
- Tithes were considered unfair and oppressive, as they disproportionately affected the lower classes and contributed to the wealth accumulation of the clergy.

Tailles
- Tailles, on the other hand, were a direct tax imposed by the monarchy on the Third Estate, which comprised the commoners and middle class.
- The taille was not based on a fixed percentage of income or produce but rather on the individual's social status and property holdings.
- The tax was regressive, meaning that the burden fell more heavily on the lower classes, as the wealthy and nobility were often exempt or paid significantly less.
- The taille was a major source of revenue for the monarchy, and its collection was often arbitrary and subject to abuse by tax collectors.
- The taille system was seen as unjust and contributed to the growing dissatisfaction among the lower classes, who felt unfairly burdened by the tax.

Conclusion
In summary, tithes and tailles were both forms of taxation during the French Revolution, but they differed in their nature and impact on society. Tithes were imposed by the Church and affected the peasantry, while tailles were levied by the monarchy and primarily targeted the commoners. Both taxes were regarded as unfair and oppressive, contributing to the grievances that fueled the revolution. The abolition of these taxes was one of the demands made by the revolutionaries in their pursuit of social and economic equality.