If you were to run a country and could change how your citizens are taxed would it be income based or  tax on imports?

Possibly more of a usage fee/sales tax thing. This way people who earn a lot but choose to live frugally wouldn't be taxed at the same level as those that spend and spend on conspicuous consumption. 

I live in California and we have a governor that would tax us for taking a dump!

No direct taxes on citizens (property or income) or on basic necessities (food, fuel, etc.). But tax things like alcohol, tobacco, cars, etc.

If you taxed on imports, what company would export their goods?

Why one or the other?  We have both now.