[RetiredTexasVet]

I think the “first” income tax was 3% .... and they have left it at that since and enacted no other taxes as well. /s/

[zeugma]

I think the “first” income tax was 3% .... and they have left it at that since and enacted no other taxes as well.

The original income tax was 1% up to the first $20,000 (in today's dollars that would be more than $400,000). If you'd like to see the first 1040 form (4 pages with instructions) you can click here. Figure your own taxes. It's eye-popping even without taking inflation into account. The max was 6%.