Income Tax circa 1913......................

     Faithful readers of this blog will remember that the income tax came into being via the 16th Amendment to the Constitution.  While many folks will tell you that the unpopularity of tariffs, a major source of federal funding, caused the amendment to be passed, I'm here to tell you that the Prohibitionists were the driving force behind its adoption.  In 1895, the Supreme Court declared a William Jennings Bryan sponsored bill, allowing for the tax on incomes, unconstitutional.  As liquor excise taxes were providing about 30% of all federal revenue in 1910, there could be no outlawing of liquor without replacing the income to the government.  Viola, the 16th Amendment, with the strong backing of the Anti-Saloon League and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, was successfully ratified in 1913.

     For your enjoyment, here is the initial 1040 form.  Four pages in total, including instructions.  Who says those weren't the good old days.

thanks Mark