Why was the federal income tax established?

The federal income tax was established in the United States primarily to generate revenue for the government, particularly to fund public services and infrastructure. It was first implemented in 1861 to help finance the Civil War and was later formalized with the 16th Amendment in 1913, allowing Congress to levy a tax on individual incomes without apportioning it among the states. This system enabled a more stable and equitable method of taxation, ensuring that the government could meet its financial obligations and support economic growth.