However, the economic and political privileges granted to those at the fifth or higher ranks were guaranteed by law, and those with rank generally were exempt from taxes and other duties, distinguishing them from the general heimin who were subject to taxation such as soyocho (corvee, taxes in kind or service) and zoyo (irregular corvee), as well as military service.
ただ五位以上の位をもつものの経済的・政治的特権は法によって保証され、また有位者は一般に課役その他の義務を免除されていた点で、租庸調、雑徭（ぞうよう）などの課税および兵役の義務を負っていた一般平民と区別されていた。