Personal Income Tax Rates for Top Earners: 1913 to 2020

Historically, the marginal tax rate for those in the top income bracket (the highest earners) has been much higher. Of the 108 years charted here, 79 had a rate higher than the current 37%, and 61 had a rate at 50% or higher.

Dark red areas represent U.S. involvement in world wars and light red areas are major recessions.
Chart: 101 Policy Corner Source: Tax Rates: Tax Policy Center Get the data