It is known that in the Archaic period direct taxation included movable property taxes, that is taxation on the production of goods, and tolls. Indirect taxes, on the other hand, concerned the admittance in markets and ports as well as the right to use them, the right to pass through the gates of different cities and the buying and selling of commercial goods.

There are also references to instances of tax exemption. There is a resolution dating from the 6th century BC, from Cyzicus, that exempts a citizen and his descendants from paying taxes.