But income taxation is an act of government, not an aspect of private life. The same information should be available for income taxes — nothing more is necessary. Another reasonable rule: In Norway, it is a matter of public record when someone looks at tax records. Income taxation in the United States began in public view. When Congress imposed the first income tax in 1861, during the Civil War, it required the disclosure of names, incomes and tax payments.

Source: New York Times April 13, 2019 18:30 UTC