The income tax began in 1909 and became a household tax during World War II. Which option correctly states this history?

• A. It began in 1860 and ended during World War II.
• B. It began in 1909 and became a household tax during World War II.
• C. It began in 1890 and became a household tax in the 1950s.
• D. It began in 1914 and remained top-earner only.

Answer: (B)

The question tests how the federal income tax developed and when it became a widespread obligation for households. The statement that it began in 1909 and became a household tax during World War II is correct because the modern system of taxing incomes started with a 1909 statute that paved the way for income taxes, and it wasn’t until World War II that the tax base expanded to most households through higher rates and payroll withholding, making income tax a standard cost of living for families. The other options misstate the timeline or the scope: they either cite incorrect start years (earlier dates like 1860 or 1890, or a 1914 timeline) or imply the tax ended or remained limited to top earners, which doesn’t match how the income tax actually evolved.