Legal history of income tax in the United States adopted an income tax modeled on the tax instituted in England. The British theory was that you tax the income from property, and not the property itself; thus, sales of property were not subject to taxation. In order to help pay for its war effort in the American Civil War, the United States government imposed its first personal income tax, on August 5, 1861, as part of the Revenue Act of 1861. Tax rates were 3% on income exceeding $600 and less than $10,000, and 5% on income exceeding $10,000. This tax was repealed and replaced by another income tax
Income tax in the United States of certain types of business expenses. Individuals are also allowed credits related to education expenses, retirement savings, child care expenses, some health care premiums, and a credit for each child. Each of the credits is subject to specific rules and limitations. Some credits are treated as refundable payments. Alternative Minimum Tax: All taxpayers are also subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax if their income exceeds certain exclusion amounts. This tax applies only if it exceeds regular income tax, and is reduced by some credits. Additional Medicare Tax: High-income earners may also have to pay an additional 0.9% tax on wages,