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Happy Birthday, Abraham

February 12, 2009

Today is the anniversary of Abe Lincoln's birth in Kentucky. Among his lesser-known works are the first U.S. Income Tax and the appointment of the first Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Lincoln's initial tax had a top rate of 5% on incomes over $10,000.

Letter from Treasury Secretary Chase to President Lincoln recommending George Boutwell as the first Commissioner of Internal Revenue. It is not believed that failure to report personal use of autos affected any of Lincoln's cabinet appointments. Click here for full-size image.

Greatest president? Maybe. George gives Abe a good run for the money, but I could be giving too much weight to Washington's pre-presidential career. Anyway, Lincoln was by far the better tax litigator.

Tags: Althouse.Lincoln.Tax History.Washington.