Trivia Question for 2/10/2026 (State Rural Credits)

What major event of the 20th century resulted in the system of income tax withholdings we have today?

A. World War I
B. The Great Depression
C. World War II
D. The Cuban Missile Crisis
E. The Hamburglar’s Birthday

As this article details, World War II dramatically increased federal spending and tax collection. It also shifted the burden of sending tax payments to the government on to employers. Although World War II ended, many of the ramifications to our tax system have been permanent.

If you answered E, I hope your memories of Happy Meals as a child were not too traumatic.