Europa Universalis V confirmed

[Solmyr]

One problem is that if you have low control, you get no taxes but also your estates' money evaporates into thin air. This should not be the case - your estates should be able to enjoy their income in areas of low crown control. That way a decentralized state would have estates building things and making money available for loans.

[Richard Hakluyt]

Yes, I can see a decentralised state getting prosperous as a weak crown is unable to sieze much in the way of tax money and waste it on wars. IIRC Castile was very heavily taxed which is a factor in its precipitous decline in the 17th century.

[Tamas]

But also, as I understand the game doesn't simulate ALL money/wealth in circulation like Vic3 does. Not sure just giving lost tax money to estates would work.

[The Minsky Moment]

Burghers can build roads if the right privileges are selected.  Some of the other estates can build special buildings although sometimes they aren't good. 

The estates do use income to buy good output and drive up demand IIRC so that's useful.

Otherwise, I think the default assumption is that nobles with extra income will just fritter it away on banqueting and pointy shoes.

[Sheilbh]

And toll castles. The rentier bastards

[Valmy]

And toll castles. The rentier bastards

Yeah I take it this is one of those things we have to be constantly trying to destroy?