Revenue Act of 1926


The United States Revenue Act of 1926,, reduced inheritance and personal income taxes, cancelled many excise imposts, eliminated the gift tax and ended public access to federal income tax returns.
The most notable parts of the Act were that maximum tax rates on inheritances and large estates were halved, as were income taxes for the wealthiest. As a consequence, taxes on the wealthy were greatly reduced. To garner political support for such massive tax cuts for the wealthy, the Act also provided small tax cuts across the board.
Passed by the 69th Congress, it was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge.
The act was applicable to incomes for 1925 and thereafter.

Tax on Corporations

A rate of 13.5 percent was levied on the net income of corporations.

Tax on individuals

A normal tax and a surtax were levied against the net income of individuals as shown in the following table.
Net Income
Normal Rate
Surtax Rate
Combined Rate
01.501.5
4,000303
8,000505
10,000516
14,000527
16,000538
18,000549
20,0005510
22,0005611
24,0005712
28,0005813
32,0005914
36,00051015
40,00051116
44,00051217
48,00051318
52,00051419
56,00051520
60,00051621
64,00051722
70,00051823
80,00051924
100,00052025

  • Exemption of $1,500 for single filers and $3,500 for married couples and heads of family. A $400 exemption for each dependent under 18.