The Evolution of Income Tax in America

This chapter explores the historical development of the U.S. income tax system from the enactment of the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act to the transformative impact of World War II. It highlights the complexities of tax legislation and the societal implications of tax policy, including the shift from a class-based to a mass tax system and the use of tax code for social engineering. The discussion culminates in the challenges of achieving simplicity and fairness in taxation, underscoring the ongoing need for reform in a complex economic landscape.