Life Back Then: Taxing Times

From Four-Page Forms to Modern-Day Headaches

As we approach April 15 – otherwise known as federal income tax day, this week’s “Life Back Then” takes a look back on Tax Day in the year 1919.

The March 6, 1919, Saline Reporter front page headlines read “Pay and File Income Tax Before March 15” – (it wasn’t until 1954 that the deadline was moved to April 15).  Since that time, not only has the deadline changed, but back in 1919, the 1040 tax form was a mere 4 pages – almost a post-it note, comparatively speaking, to today’s massive 126 pages.

The article also calls on those who celebrated the end of World War I on Armistice Day (today called Veterans Day) to “contribute to the cost of winning the war.” And don’t be amongst the “laggards and dodgers” and delay filing, as those who do surely face severe fines or even jail. Women specifically are also put on notice, as they are “subject to all requirements of Income Tax.”

Notably, right next to the article, a paragraph placed in a highlighted box begins with what is called a “Square Deal for Every Income Tax Payer.” Bureau of Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Roper repeats the theme by saying “No person is expected to pay more than his share of the tax… The income tax is on the level all the way through.”

Regardless if taxes are a square deal or on the level, income Tax Day rolls around this time of year for everyone.

And as Benjamin Franklin once said, “… in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” You can squarely count on it.

Featured image: March 6, 1919, Saline Reporter