The Internal Revenue Service: Why U.S. Citizens Pay Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service is the government agency that collects federal taxes. The IRS traces its origins back to the Lincoln presidency when the position of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue was created in 1862. The commissioner assessed the nation’s first income tax, which was implemented to raise funds to cover war expenses. Without federal taxes, many people would not have access to different types of monetary assistance for services like veterans’ benefits, education, the military, and social security. These services have become essential elements on which U.S. citizens rely. This title explores the history of the IRS and how it has developed into such an important part of daily American life. A graphic organizer and vivid full-color photographs connect with the informative and manageable text.