The earliest fiscal category in history is taxation, which is accompanied by the emergence of the country. The first tax system in the history of China was the tribute law. Yu Xia in Xia Dynasty was the founder of the tribute law and China tax, and tribute was the earliest fiscal and tax method.

The earliest property tax in ancient history appeared in the period of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty, and the huge financial expenditure during the expedition to Xiongnu was difficult to support the general fiscal revenue of the country. Therefore, in order to solve the fiscal deficit, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty directed his finger at businessmen and issued a decree stipulating that all people engaged in commercial activities should pay taxes. This is the earliest recorded property tax in China.

The development of property tax also affects the development and perfection of taxation in later generations.