Introduction:
Before the French Revolution, the society was divided into three estates. The first estate comprised the clergy, the second estate comprised the nobility, and the third estate comprised the commoners. The first two estates enjoyed several privileges, including exemption from taxes, which put the burden of paying taxes on the third estate.

Section of French Society that Paid Most of the Taxes:
The third estate paid most of the taxes before the revolution. Within the third estate, there were certain groups that bore the brunt of the taxes.

Groups within the Third Estate that Paid Most Taxes:
1. Peasants: The peasants were the largest group within the third estate, and they paid a significant portion of the taxes. They paid direct taxes to the king, such as the taille, which was a tax on land, and the capitation, which was a tax on individuals. They also paid indirect taxes, such as the gabelle, which was a tax on salt, and the corvée, which was a tax on labor.

2. Bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie were the middle class within the third estate, and they also paid a significant portion of the taxes. They paid direct taxes on their property and income, and they also paid indirect taxes on goods and services.

3. Artisans: The artisans were skilled workers within the third estate, and they also paid taxes. They paid indirect taxes on goods and services, such as the octroi, which was a tax on goods entering a city.

Conclusion:
Before the French Revolution, the burden of paying taxes fell heavily on the third estate, particularly the peasants, bourgeoisie, and artisans. This unequal distribution of the tax burden was one of the factors that contributed to the revolution.

People who belonging to the third estate such as lawyers, merchants and peasants.