U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for February 3

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3: INCOME TAXES

Profile America — Friday, February 3rd.  In this presidential election year, much is being heard about income taxes.  Such taxes have been around since this date in 1913, when the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, authorizing Congress to levy taxes on income.  Its passage was controversial and capped a long-running battle.  In its first two years, the tax was modest, providing only a small part of the government's total revenue — but World War I moved income taxes to the center of federal finances.  Last year, individuals paid an estimated $956 billion in income taxes, while corporations paid $198 billion.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 114
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 475

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau