As an expert in the field of American history and taxation, I can provide a comprehensive overview of when the United States began taxing its citizens. It's a complex topic with a long and evolving history, but I'll try to distill the key points for you.

The taxation system in the United States has its roots in the country's founding. Initially, the federal government relied primarily on tariffs and excise taxes to generate revenue. However, as the nation grew and the need for a more stable and diversified revenue stream became apparent, various forms of taxation were introduced.

The Civil War marked a significant turning point in American taxation. To fund the war effort, the federal government enacted the Revenue Act of 1861, which included the first income tax. This was a flat tax of 3% on incomes over $800. However, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional in 1895, leading to the Income Tax Act of 1894 being invalidated.

In the late 19th century, the Progressive Era began to take shape, and with it, a push for more equitable taxation. The 16th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1913, allowed Congress to levy an income tax without apportionment among the states. This was a landmark moment, as it legalized a graduated income tax, which is the system we have today.

The federal estate tax, another form of taxation, was first introduced in 1916 to address wealth inequality. This tax is levied on the transfer of a deceased person's estate to their heirs.

As for state and federal inheritance taxes, they indeed began after 1900, with states starting to impose their own inheritance taxes around the same time. The federal government followed suit, and these taxes have been a part of the U.S. tax system ever since.

Regarding sales taxes, it's true that states began to collect them in the 1930s, but not the federal government. Sales taxes are a consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services and are typically a percentage of the sale price.

It's important to note that the tax system in the United States has been subject to numerous changes and reforms over the years. Tax rates, brackets, and regulations have all evolved in response to economic conditions, political priorities, and societal needs.

In conclusion, the United States has a long history of taxing its citizens, with the most significant developments occurring during the Civil War, the Progressive Era, and the early 20th century. The income tax, estate tax, and sales taxes are all key components of the current tax system, each with its own historical context and role in generating revenue for the government.

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State and federal inheritance taxes began after 1900, while the states (but not the federal government) began collecting sales taxes in the 1930s. The United States imposed income taxes briefly during the Civil War and the 1890s.read more >>