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Feeling flustered as April 15 gets closer? Americans have Honest Abe (Lincoln) to thank for that.
In 1862, the 16th POTUS signed into law a measure creating a commissioner of internal revenue and calling for the nation’s first income tax – 3% on incomes up to $10,000 and 5% on those over. Folks earning under 600 bucks were exempt (think inaugural standard deduction).
In 1867, on the heels of public outrage, Congress cut the income tax rate, which was repealed in 1872. Thanks to our forefathers’ inclination to imbibe, 90% of the nation’s revenue came via taxes on alcohol and tobacco until 1913.
– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100