Why were censuses and land registers important to Han government?

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Map showing the Han Empire's territory around 100 BCE, shaded in orange, covering much of eastern China and extending westward. The map also marks the boundary of modern China and highlights the Great Wall running along the northern frontier, built for protection against the Huns. Major rivers and the capital, Chang'an (Xi'an), are labeled. — Han dynasty Map showing the extent of the Han empire c. 100 bce.

In the Han dynasty, the census of the population and the register of land and its production were essential administrative tools without which the government could not function. These records were critical for the following reasons:1

Revenue Collection: The state relied on these counts to assess and collect taxes. The land tax was levied based on the quality and produce of the land, while the poll tax was determined by the age and sex of household members recorded in the census.1
Labor and Military Obligations: Beyond financial revenue, the government used these registers to manage the labor force. Able-bodied males were required to provide annual service to the state, which included tasks such as building palaces, constructing infrastructure like roads and bridges, and working in state-run industries.1
Administrative Oversight: These records allowed the central government to maintain accurate data on households and individuals, facilitating the effective management of the empire's resources and population.1