Amazing GIF Shows Just How Complicated Your Taxes Have Become

Amazing GIF Shows Just How Complicated Your Taxes Have Become

The 1040 has been the primary American tax form since the introduction of the personal income tax in 1913. That's even been the form's name since the very beginning. But what started as a simple document with 27 lines of information to fill out has grown ever more complex: the current 1040 has 77 line items--plus a 189-page appendix of instructions. The image above is an animation of the first page of every 1040 from 1913 to 2011.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot