Was it based on income? Did they have deductions and exemptions? Was there a sales tax? Did they fill out returns? If you couldn't pay what were the penalties? Did they have public accountants? Could they lodge their returns via mail? What Government body was in charge of collecting tax revenue? Was it largely above board or was the system corrupt?
The answer already here is ok, but it leaves a lot out or misunderstands things. The stuff in this thread, particularly further down, is what you want.