All Terrain Thinking

A Compendium of things I think are Important

Generally Speaking, Think on this...

’Twas the Year 1913...

 

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These four pages comprise the very first income tax form -- the 1913 Form 1040. As you look at them, I urge you to solemnly think about what they mean, because 1913 was a major turning point in our nation’s history.

1913 was the year that the nature of the relationship between the Federal government and its citizens changed in a very fundamental way.

Prior to 1913, the Federal government was our servant, and we, as its citizens, were its master. After 1913, the Federal government became the master, and we became its servants.

These words were added to the Constitution to make this possible:

 

Amendment XVI (1913)

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

 

For over 125 years, the entire Federal government was supported by issuing bonds, imposing tariffs on imports or exports, and by enacting excise taxes on liquor and certain other products, the only means permitted by the Constitution.

For over 125 years, the people of the United States were free to earn and accumulate an unlimited amount of wealth. They were free to dispose of that wealth in any manner they saw fit, whether it be building mansions in which to live, leaving it to their kids, investing in new businesses, or giving it away to fund charitable causes.

Until 1913.

Click here to see what you’d pay using the 1913 tax rates.

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