<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-5-chapter-02 -->

# Four Maxims of Taxation

## Definition

Smith's four principles for good taxation: equality (proportional to ability),
certainty (clear and not arbitrary), convenience (paid at convenient times
and in convenient ways), and economy (minimal collection costs and economic
distortion).

## Source Chapter

Book V, Chapter 2

## Context

Smith presents these four maxims as the fundamental criteria by which all
taxes should be judged, using them throughout his analysis of different tax
types to evaluate their relative merits and defects.

## Economic Domain

General Theory

---
