Tax included.
In general, snakes are symbols of life force, healing and renewal, rebirth, creating life, fertility and even sensuality. Its representation depends a lot on the culture or religion in which it is inserted.
In Buddhism, for example, the snake is associated with the Buddha's own story. The Serpent King, Mucalinda, was responsible for protecting the Buddha shortly after he attained his enlightenment. In this case, we have a stronger spiritual meaning for the protection side, especially against negative energies.