The article examines aspects of the collection of "streletsky bread" by the state in the period 1613–1679 in the context of the tax activity of the state. An analysis of the reform of government bodies, whose sphere of competence included the collection of the tax under study, is carried out. The work provides the reasons for the emergence of the tax and analyzes the legal basis for taxation when it was introduced. A study of the elements of the structure of "streletsky bread" as a tax is conducted. The author concludes that the tax activity of the state in collecting the tax was directly related to ensuring the security of the state.