Tax Day

Tax Day (Taxes Due) History

Tax Day marks the last day to file income taxes in the United States. The history of US Income Tax dates back to the Civil War and the Revenue Act of 1861. This tax was imposed to help pay the costs of the war. After several repeals, new taxes, and subsequent repeals, the 16th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified and signed into law in 1913. This established the right of Congress to impose a Federal Income tax.

The Income Tax remains the primary way that the US Government finances itself. To ensure that all monies due for the prior year are paid, a Tax Day was created. All US taxpayers are required to file taxes based on the prior year's earnings by this date. Traditionally, this date has been on April 15 of each year. If this day falls on a weekend, the due date is extended to the following Monday. This date is also impacted by the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington DC.

Facts & quotes about Tax Day

• For 2024, Tax Day is the traditional April 15th. In some years, like in 2023 the date is pushed out when it conflicts with Emancipation Day which is a local holiday observed in Washington, D.C.
• During World War I, around 1918, the highest income tax rate in the US was over 77%.
• The power of taxing people and their property is essential to the very existence of government - US President James Madison
• According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, during the 2022 filing season, the IRS received about 54.7 million tax returns. More than 95% of tax returns received in 2022 were filed digitally.
• According to Fiscal Data – U.S., in 2022, the U.S. federal government collected $4.9 trillion in taxes, and spent $6.27 trillion on a variety of programs and services that support the American public.
• A tax loophole is something that benefits the other guy. If it benefits you, it is tax reform - US Senator Russell B. Long

In the News and Trending for Tax Day

Top things to do for Tax Day

• Be sure to mail your Tax Return before the midnight of the designated tax day.
• File for an extension before midnight, if needed.
• Take advantage of Tax Day Freebies at local restaurants.
• Visit Office Depot and shred your old documents for free.
• Watch a movie that deals with taxes and the consequences of unpaid taxes. Our picks: Stranger Than Fiction (2006), Catch Me If You Can (2012), The Firm (1993), The Mating Game (1959)