A tax return is a document which states how much income an individual or entity reported to the government. In the U.S. there is no legal requirement of any kind that presidential candidates release tax returns from any year. Tax returns can be released by an individual taxpayer, but cannot released by the IRS to the public. However, one Senator has proposed legislation requiring presidential candidates to release tax returns. In 2016 a U.S. Senator proposed the Presidential Tax Transparency Act. The bill would require a presidential candidate to release the most recent three years of tax returns to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) within 15 days of becoming the nominee at the party convention. If the candidate refuses to comply, the Treasury Secretary would provide the tax returns directly to the FEC for public release.
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@9KBNP3J1yr1Y
Yes, because this shows the motives behind the stances they take on political issues involving taxes and funding.
@9J3DKD21yr1Y
Yes, if they can ensure that it happens to whomever is in office regardless of party and they audit only funds that pertain to their office.
@9F4B2VJ2yrs2Y
Yes, and they should be audited yearly and their medical records should be made public. Anyone pursuing a career in politics is making the choice to become a public figure so they shouldn’t expect or be afforded the same rights as private citizens. And voters should have as much information as possible about potential candidates so they can base their decisions on more than just what team a candidate happens to be on
@96CMSZC3yrs3Y
No, unless they are a Career Politician
@8Y46ZQ53yrs3Y
No, tax returns have nothing to do with their ability to perform their duties.
All stocks they and their immediate family own should be held in a blind trust. Any purchase or divesting should be as part of a blind trust action, with a minimum two weeks notice.
@8WMSTG34yrs4Y
Regardless, taxes should be abolished
@8T823ZLRepublican4yrs4Y
No, it could influence some voters because of how much income the candidates have.
@8SM4HJ7Constitution4yrs4Y
Yes, and members of Congress and the Supreme Court should be required to do so as well
@8P79BSQ5yrs5Y
maybe not to the public but to someone in power? I dont really know how to explain but its just to assure that they are not committing anything illegal I guess.
@8P5SJK85yrs5Y
Only if there seems to be fraud or it can be used as evidence to defend themselves.
@8N9JCB55yrs5Y
No, they should be required to show they have done everything legally to the proper people but every citizen does not need to know this information, just that it is correct.
@8N9JCB55yrs5Y
I do not have enough information about this
@8LGD5QX5yrs5Y
If the candidate is being questioned about their taxes then they should release the tax returns to the public.
@8KX3HMFIndependent5yrs5Y
Yes, If they are accused of wrongdoing they should be audited and that be released
@8KCR87YRepublican5yrs5Y
No, only after they have been in office and running for re-election should they be required to show any and all income.
@8HVF8KV5yrs5Y
@8H9SM3X5yrs5Y
Yes, restricted portions of their tax returns should be released. It is the public's right to know if our potential leaders are fulfilling their constitutional obligations just as we are
@8H5NGCF5yrs5Y
Yes, not necessarily to know how much they have paid, but to make sure they are paid up, and not owing millions of back taxes!!!
@8GNGRGB5yrs5Y
Just whether or not the candidate has paid their full taxes or not
@8G4WPPL5yrs5Y
Yes, this should be a requirement for federal office candidates to ensure there is no conflict of interest or security risk. This, an extensive background checks are already mandatory for anyone who applies for all government positions that require security clearance.
@8DNJPCY5yrs5Y
I think candidates should only be required to release their income tax records when there is legitimate & proven reasons or suspicions of wrong-doing.
Yes, and require a public audit each year in office as well as require the release of medical records and psychological evaluations.
@hatemailhere5yrs5Y
No, but all sources of income should be publicly disclosed
@8C7RP3C5yrs5Y
i think any and all suspicious activity should be made public. All records that they could have tried to redact, hide, or destroy to try to keep a good appearance.
@9CHG8QP2yrs2Y
Feel like they should be audited, with the corrupt politicians we have it wouldn't be a bad idea.
@9BLH8VZRepublican2yrs2Y
No. But a mental test should be given and released to all holding a office
@99QXZ922yrs2Y
No, but they should be released once they are elected
@9862F5V2yrs2Y
Only if absolutely necessary if there is a chance for criminal misconduct.
@97DWC8C3yrs3Y
@8YLML4B3yrs3Y
political candidates tax returns should be reviewed by an internal committee but not required to be made public
@8TQ4F7V4yrs4Y
If there is a reason for it, then yes
@8MRXX5Q5yrs5Y
Yes, but only for the years they hold public office
@8KDSPSP5yrs5Y
Yes, if they are suspicious, but otherwise no it is not relevant.
@8HCSQB65yrs5Y
No, but yes to medical records, only pertinent information that may affect their ability to lead.
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