Civic Register
| 11.16.17

The IRS Putting Trump's Tax Returns In A Safe

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What’s the story?

President Trump is the first president in 40 years not to publicly release his tax returns, which is his right under law. Older returns have been leaked to the press, however. To protect his other returns from staff who might be tempted to leak copies to the press, which would be a federal offense, the IRS is taking steps to lock them down.

The returns, which are already in a secure location, are now going in a safe.

Why does it matter?

There is no law currently requiring presidents or presidential candidates to release their tax returns, though the practice had become common until President Trump. Several states, including California and Massachusetts have attempted to pass such legislation, but not been successful.

The practice of presidents publicly releasing their tax returns allows citizens to see not only the president’s net worth, but also where he has financial ties that might create conflicts of interest.

Since the presidential campaign Trump has refused to release his tax returns, insisting that he is under audit. A 2005 return was leaked to the press, but any other leaks, particularly from the IRS, are highly unlikely, said John Koskinen, IRS Commissioner, to Politico:

" [Trump’s returns are] in a locked cabinet in a locked room that nobody’s in. You’ll need a key to the room and the cabinet to get it. We’re in the process of turning that cabinet into a safe. We keep all the returns from every president in there.”

Koskinen also maintains that he has not seen the returns, nor has anyone without direct filing or audit authority, a privilege that the IRS takes very, very seriously:

"I had no authority to look at anybody’s returns. Nobody can, unless you’re authorized for the process of examination. I couldn’t look at my own return. Anyone who looks at anyone’s return is subject to termination. We take this stuff seriously. Everyone’s aware of the history of the Nixon enemies list. No individual employee can even select a return for audit; we get automated referrals, and they go straight to a committee.”

No word on whether any of President Trump’s tax accountants also maintain safes to protect his returns, but it sounds like the IRS has got them locked up tightly.

What do you think?

Should President Trump release his tax returns? Why or why not? Do you support legislation that would require all presidential candidates by law to release their tax returns?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Pixabay / Creative Commons)