This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

Imagine a time when the United States thrived without an income tax—when the government was funded entirely through tariffs and other indirect means. Before the IRS: The Forgotten History of Tariffs, Prosperity, and Tax-Free Government takes listeners on a journey through the fascinating and often overlooked era before the introduction of the Internal Revenue Service.

Long before income taxes became a fixture of American life, the federal government relied on tariffs to fund public projects, support infrastructure, and maintain national security. This audiobook explores how the tariff system fostered economic growth, protected domestic industries, and upheld the vision of a tax-free government that the Founding Fathers envisioned.

Through compelling stories and historical analysis, discover why tariffs were so vital to early American prosperity, how they shaped political debates, and what led to their gradual decline. Learn how the rise of the IRS and income taxation forever changed the relationship between citizens and the state, sparking debates about fairness, economic policy, and government power that continue to this day.

Perfect for history buffs, economic thinkers, and anyone curious about America's financial past, Before the IRS challenges modern assumptions and reveals the untold story of a time when prosperity didn't depend on taxing income.