Book cover of The Black Tax

Book description

Revealing a history that is deep, broad, and infuriating, The Black Tax casts a bold light on the racist practices long hidden in the shadows of America's tax regimes.

American taxation is unfair, and it is most unfair to the very people who critically need its support. Not only…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Black Tax as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Everyone loves taxes, right? Before reading this, I hadn’t realized the outsized role disproportionate allocation of state and local tax revenues plays in perpetuating the gap. One often-repeated untruth is “black people don’t pay taxes.”

I loved how Kahrl debunked that concept and thoroughly explained the role of tax policy (and individual acts) in re-appropriating land and property over multiple generations. I hadn’t made this connection to the problem before taking this deep dive. I was deeply troubled by this one; instance upon instance of plunder across the States.

If you love The Black Tax...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The Black Tax?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Black Tax.

Browse books like The Black Tax

Book cover of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
Book cover of Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America
Book cover of The Hidden Cost of Being African American

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Black Tax, you might also like...

Book cover of In Bad Faith

In Bad Faith by Geoffrey Carter,

Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.

Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…

Book cover of Your Sun Will Rise Again: Poems of Hope and Survival

Your Sun Will Rise Again by Joseph Jean Baptiste Jolicoeur,

Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating life’s challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.

Through simple yet profound language, the book reminds…

5 book lists we think you will like!