Skip To Main Content
File for $0
Sign in
  1. TurboTax /
  2. Tax Calculators & Tips /
  3. Tax Tips Guides & Videos /
  4. Fun Facts /
  5. A Brief History of Income Taxes

A Brief History of Income Taxes

Updated for Tax Year 2021 / October 16, 2021 06:50 AM

OVERVIEW

Did you know President Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most beloved leaders, also instituted one of its least liked obligations—the income tax? In this brief history of taxes, see the historical events which shaped income taxes in the United States today.

All you need to know is yourself

Answer simple questions about your life and TurboTax Free Edition will take care of the rest.

For simple tax returns only

$0*
State additional
Start for Free

100% FREE fed & state, PLUS a free expert review with TurboTax Live Basic.

For simple tax returns only. Must file by 3/31.
Offer details

$79$0*
State included
File for $0

Looking for more information?

Related Articles

TurboTax Tax Bracket Calculator

Top 10 Oddball Tax Deductions

3 of the Weirdest Tax Laws from History

Tallying Up the Taxes of Powerball Winnings

What is My Tax Bracket?

More in Fun Facts

The 10 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Tapping Your Inner Freeloader: 11 Tried and True Tips to Get Things Free

Tax Considerations for Fantasy Sports Fans

11 Fun Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

Ways to Increase Your Tax Refund You Never Thought About

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.