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The taxes are set by the company (guild) controlling the town at that moment. It's a balance for them between fair and getting enough gold for upkeep, although I don't know anything about that. If the taxes are too high, other companies will probably be more likely to try and take the town away from them. But again, I know nothing of that part of the game. I don't care much for guild play.

Ah man that is what i was really looking forward to get answers on.