The Greeks revered the tax professional as the most noble man in society.

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Michael S. and Susan Dell’s 2003 contribution of $673.7 million is the largest individual charitable contribution.

In the 1954 Three Stooges film Income Tax Sappy, Moe’s wife wants a home so badly that she forces Moe to start cheating on his income taxes to save up some dough. He is so successful that he, Larry, and Shemp start new careers as tax advisers.

Peter the Great of Russia taxed hats, boots, beehives, basements, chimneys, food, clothing, birth, marriage, souls, and beards.

The 16th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution passed in 1913 created the modern income tax system.

This article appears in April 15 • 2005.

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