WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the deadline for tax submissions arrives, Americans are reminded of the historical significance of April 15, known as “Tax Day.” This date has been a fixture in the United States since 1955, marking the end of the tax filing period.
The origin of Tax Day dates back to the Civil War when the first federal income tax was introduced in 1861 to support the Union’s war efforts. The Sixteenth Amendment in 1913 established the government’s right to tax income directly. The filing deadline has changed over the years, from March 1 to March 15, and finally to April 15 in 1955.
The choice of mid-April was intended to give taxpayers more time after the holiday season and to distance the deadline from the historically ominous Ides of March. Despite this, the stress of tax season remains.
Today, Tax Day is not just about settling accounts with the government; it’s a reflection of the nation’s economic state. It’s a day when citizens participate in a tradition that is a cornerstone of the U.S. financial system.