internal revenue

American  

noun

1. the revenue of a government from any domestic source, usually considered to be any source other than customs.

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internal revenue British  

noun

1. government income derived from taxes, etc, within the country

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Etymology

Origin of internal revenue

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Dock’s 1894 certificate, signed by a collector of internal revenue in Portland, Ore., lists his occupation as a cook, and his complexion as “dark.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2025

The internal revenue commissioner testified that the late E.W.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2021

The group was referring to a 1985 amendment to the internal revenue code permanently barring a public officer convicted of a tax crime from voting and running in any election.

From Reuters • Dec. 2, 2021

In 1791, Congress passed a measure taxing distilled spirits; it was the first internal revenue act in U.S. history.

From Washington Times • Mar. 3, 2021

In the editions of 1891 and 1893 he is listed as United States collector of internal revenue, with an office at the Post Office building, Boston.

From The Auburndale Watch Company First American Attempt Toward the Dollar Watch by Battison, Edwin A.