Which amendment established the income tax?

The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, established the federal government's right to impose an income tax. Prior to this amendment, the federal government relied primarily on tariffs and excise taxes for revenue, which often varied by state. The 16th Amendment allowed Congress to levy a tax on income without apportioning it among the states or basing it on the U.S. Census. This fundamentally changed how the government could generate revenue, enabling a more consistent and direct method of taxation that contributed significantly to federal funding for various programs and initiatives. The amendment reflects a shift towards a more centralized taxing authority, allowing the government to respond to the growing needs of the nation during the early 20th century.