Income tax in the United States income above £200. The tax proposal was developed in 1814. Because the treaty of Ghent was signed in 1815, ending hostilities and the need for additional revenue, the tax was never imposed in the United States. In order to help pay for its war effort in the American Civil War, Congress imposed its first personal income tax in 1861. It was part of the Revenue Act of 1861 (3% of all incomes over US $800). This tax was repealed and replaced by another income tax in 1862. In 1894, Democrats in Congress passed the Wilson-Gorman tariff, which imposed the first
Income tax in the United States localities impose an income tax at a graduated rate, and some at a flat rate on all taxable income. Federal tax rates in 2013 varied from 10% to 39.6%. Individuals are eligible for a reduced rate of federal income tax on capital gains and qualifying dividends. The tax rate and some deductions are different for individuals depending on filing status. Married individuals may compute tax as a couple or separately. Single individuals may be eligible for reduced tax rates if they are head of a household in which they live with a dependent. Taxable income is defined in a comprehensive