Revenue Act of 1916

The United States Revenue Act of 1916, (ch. 463, 39 Stat. 756, September 8, 1916) raised the lowest income tax rate from 1% to 2% and raised the top rate to 15% on taxpayers with incomes above $2 million ($56 million in 2023 dollars). Previously, the top rate had been 7% on income above $500,000 ($14 million in 2023 dollars). The Act also instituted the federal estate tax.^[1]

The entry of the United States into World War I greatly increased the need for revenue.

An excess profits tax was introduced and the modern estate tax was imposed.

The act was applicable to incomes for 1916.

Income Tax Table for Individuals

A Normal Tax and an Additional Tax were levied against the net income of individuals as shown in the following table.

Revenue Act of 1916 Normal Tax and Additional Tax on Individuals 39 Stat. 756 ^[2]
Net Income (dollars)	Normal Rate (percent)	Additional Rate (percent)	Combined Rate (percent)
0	2	0	2
20,000	2	1	3
40,000	2	2	4
60,000	2	3	5
80,000	2	4	6
100,000	2	5	7
150,000	2	6	8
200,000	2	7	9
250,000	2	8	10
300,000	2	9	11
500,000	2	10	12
1,000,000	2	11	13
1,500,000	2	12	14
2,000,000	2	13	15

Exemption of $3,000 for single filers and $4,000 for married couples.

Notes

^ Revenue Act of 1916, section 201, Ch. 463, 39 Stat. 756, 777 (Sept. 8, 1916).
^ Facsimile from Statutes at Large

External links

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/war-revenue-act-passed-in-u-s

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[1] Revenue Act of 1916, section 201, Ch. 463, 39 Stat. 756, 777 (Sept. 8, 1916).

[2] Facsimile from Statutes at Large

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