USCIS 100:56 Tax Day?

USCIS 100:56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*

++ April 15

The last day to send in your federal income tax to the Internal Revenue Service is April 15 of each year. (This year, 2012, taxes must be filed by Tuesday, April 17, 2012).

The Constitution gave the federal government the power to collect taxes. The federal government needs money to pay the nation’s debts and to defend and provide for the needs of the country. When the country was young, it was difficult to raise money from the 13 original states.

The government began collecting income tax for the first time through the Revenue Act of 1861. This was only temporary. In 1894, a flatrate federal income tax was enacted, but the Supreme Court said this was unconstitutional.

Finally, in 1913, the 16th Amendment was ratified. It gave Congress the power to collect income taxes.

Today, “taxable income” is money that is earned from wages, selfemployment, tips, and the sale of property. The government uses these taxes to keep our country safe and secure. It also tries to cure and prevent diseases through research. In addition, the government protects our money in banks by insuring it, educates children and adults, and builds and repairs our roads and highways. Taxes are used to do these things and many more. (USCIS M-638 Quick civics Lessons)