Another problem with the tax graph (which I have also seen posted various places over the past week) is that it doesn't account for the changes in income distribution or inflation. For example, in 1960 the top marginal rates kicked in at just above $1M/year in income, but how many people made that much money in 1960? And compared with the number of people who qualify for today's top marginal rate? Or those who would qualify for 1960's top rate if it was still in effect? You can't compare anything in real terms using this chart. It's a lovely representation of the history of the income tax code, but apart from that it's pretty much useless.