Federal gov ran on tariffs (~95% revenue!), booze/cigarette taxes, and land sales. Local: property taxes + fees. Govt was tiny (small army, no welfare). Income tax came when wars/social programs demanded more
Discussion
Yes, but even now the income tax is used for control and enslavement of the people.
It's all fake money anyway, so the difference between 1 dollar and 1 trillion dollars is pressing the 0 key 12 times.