I realize my question is very broad, and not very sexy, but I'm looking for general information about this process. I'd be interested in any given empire's method. I'm interested in the details of how things were run because I believe it can shed light on larger events. Information from anywhere in the world prior to the Industrial Revolution will do. Hopefully, that isn't too vague under the sub's rules.

Below is a full list of my questions. If you can shed light on some but not all, that's plenty. I realize not all of them may be answered today.

1. How were taxes assessed on a large scale?
2. How did governments find out how much product was produced, particularly in the case of small, distant villages?
3. How were taxes transported, particularly when goods were taken instead of coin? Did tax collectors travel in large caravan trains with a heavy guard?
4. How did people dodge taxes? What were the risks?