what is a spudtax?

Answer 1

I haven't heard of this but I will venture two possibles.

To commence drilling of an oil well is to "Spud-In". Typically oil companies pay a lease fee for the right to explore and produce oil. Perhaps this could be linked to an additional fee relevant to each well drilled.

or

Spud is a common term for a potato which is an essential ingredient of western diet. Perhaps Spud Tax is tax on basic necessities which is not politically popular.