How were tax laws administered and by whom in medieval times?

In medieval times, tax laws were administered by local lords, the Church, and the monarch, depending on the region and period.

In the medieval period, the administration of tax laws was a complex process that varied greatly depending on the region and the specific time period. Generally, the responsibility for tax collection fell to local lords, the Church, and the monarch.

Local lords, or feudal lords, were often responsible for collecting taxes from the people living on their lands. These taxes were typically in the form of goods or services, rather than money, as the economy was largely based on agriculture. The lords would then pay a portion of these taxes to the monarch as a form of tribute. This system was known as feudalism and was prevalent throughout much of Europe during the early and middle parts of the medieval period.

The Church also played a significant role in tax collection during the medieval period. The tithe, a tax equivalent to one-tenth of a person's income, was collected by the Church from all Christians. This money was used to maintain the Church and its activities, including the provision of services to the poor. The Church's power to collect tithes was often backed by the monarch, making it a significant player in the administration of tax laws.

The monarch, or the king, was the ultimate authority in the administration of tax laws. In addition to receiving tribute from local lords, the monarch could also levy taxes directly on his subjects. These taxes were often collected to fund wars or other royal projects. The monarch's power to tax was not absolute, however, and was often subject to negotiation with other powerful groups, such as the nobility or the Church.

In summary, the administration of tax laws in medieval times was a complex process involving multiple layers of authority. Local lords, the Church, and the monarch all played significant roles in collecting taxes, reflecting the decentralised and hierarchical nature of medieval society.