1799day.year
British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger introduces an income tax of two shillings to the pound to raise funds for Great Britain's war effort in the Napoleonic Wars.
In 1799, William Pitt the Younger introduced Britain's first income tax to finance the nation's war efforts against Napoleonic France.
Facing mounting expenses in the Napoleonic Wars, British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger established an income tax of two shillings to the pound on January 9, 1799. This measure marked the first time Britain levied a general tax on individual earnings to fund military operations. The progressive tax applied different rates to various income brackets and stirred public debate over government authority. Despite opposition, the levy successfully generated critical revenue for Britain's war chest. Pitt's policy set a precedent for modern income taxation and reshaped the relationship between the state and its citizens.
1799
British Prime Minister
William Pitt the Younger
income tax
shillings
pound
Napoleonic Wars