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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Taxation Is Theft” is a rare card of the Memes World series 73, number 21666 of the collection, and the 31st best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Taxation Is Theft” meme mean?
The phrase expresses a radical moral rejection of the fiscal state. It posits that mandatory levies, by their coercive nature, are equivalent to robbery committed by authorities. The underlying emotion is outrage at the perceived injustice of confiscating the fruits of labor. Online, it often serves as an ideological shorthand to criticize any government intervention in the economy or personal freedoms.
Where does the “Taxation Is Theft” meme come from?
The meme lacks a single visual author or initial viral video. Its digital spread intensified around March 2016, with traces on Reddit (r/libertarian), Facebook, and Tumblr. However, the doctrinal idea is older. Key theorist Murray Rothbard formalized it in *The Ethics of Liberty* (1982), comparing tax agents to thieves. Precursors like Lysander Spooner in the 19th century had already linked taxes to theft. The printed expression dates back to at least 1962, but its exact origin remains unknown. The source text notes no precise source for the meme’s initial circulation.
- 1962First known printed attestation of the expression, though the author remains unknown.
- 1982Murray Rothbard formalizes the argument in *The Ethics of Liberty*, comparing tax agents to thieves.
- March 14, 2016A Facebook page dedicated to “Taxation Is Theft” memes is noted, marking a step in online visibility.
- March 26, 2016An article from the *Free Thought Project* covers the theme, contributing to its alternative media spread.
- March 28, 2016An image associated with the slogan is published on Tumblr, consolidating its visual memetic form.
How to use the “Taxation Is Theft” meme
- Share a satirical image to criticize a new tax hike perceived as excessive.
- Respond ironically to a debate on the state’s role to highlight the coercive nature of taxation.
- Use the slogan as a signature or political comment in libertarian forums to assert an anti-fiscal stance.
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The “Taxation Is Theft” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21666 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 73 |
| Fame | 66/100 · #31 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Taxation Is Theft” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Taxation Is Theft comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Taxation Is Theft”
More cards of the Memes World series 73
Frequently asked questions
What does Taxation Is Theft mean?
It is a libertarian slogan claiming that taxes are morally equivalent to theft due to their coercive nature.
Who invented the phrase Taxation Is Theft?
The exact origin is unknown, but the idea is strongly associated with Murray Rothbard in the 1980s and Lysander Spooner in the 19th century.
Where does the Taxation Is Theft meme come from?
There is no specific origin video; online spread accelerated around March 2016 on Reddit and Tumblr.
Is it true that taxation is theft?
It is a libertarian philosophical position, not a legal fact; the law considers taxation a legitimate civic obligation.
How do I get the Taxation Is Theft meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Taxation Is Theft” is a rare card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Taxation Is Theft card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Taxation Is Theft | Know Your Meme · en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Taxation_as_theftTaxation as theft - Wikipedia · The government–robber comparison: A long‐standing tradition ... · checked on October 14, 2026.
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