What is an occupational tax with regards to property taxes, besides school taxes, and property taxes?

Question

What is this occupational tax, I am not working why do I have to pay it?

Answer 1

The occupation tax has roots in England during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. At that time, many occupations were created by grant or title and could be sold or transferred between individuals. Occupations thus often were a form of property which could be bought and sold, much like real estate.

It is not surprising then that the occupation tax is very similar to the real property tax. The tax is levied on the value of residents' occupations, as determined by the county tax assessors office. The occupation of school bus driver may have an assessed value of $25, for example, while that of a lawyer may be $290. Assessed values are not based upon income, so all members of the same occupation will pay the same amount of occupation tax even if their income differs dramatically.

The local jurisdiction levies a tax rate on these occupational assessments. The occupation tax is collected from residents, without regard to where they actually practice their occupation.

The occupation tax can also be levied as a flat rate tax. Every person who works pays the same amount, regardless of their occupation. The maximum levy as a flat rate is $10 per person, while there is no limit if the occupation tax is levied as a tax rate.

Basically, it is a head count tax.  Everyone owes it, regardless of their situation.

Sorry.  God Bless.