Why Can’t the IRS Finalize Trump’s Tax Return—And Why Does It Matter?
The issue of Donald Trump’s tax returns has long been a contentious one, with many in the public and the media questioning why the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) hasn’t finalized its audit. This matter extends beyond mere curiosity—it touches on issues of transparency, accountability, and the integrity of presidential candidates.
The IRS and Political Neutrality
The IRS is bound by law to remain politically neutral. This principle is crucial for its operations, ensuring that all taxpayers are treated equally, irrespective of their political affiliations. If the IRS were to succumb to political pressures, it could set a dangerous precedent that would erode public trust in the agency.
For instance, during past investigations into right-wing charities, the IRS was accused of political bias. However, these claims were found to be unfounded, as the agency conducted similar investigations into left-wing charities as well. This demonstrates that the IRS operates without the influence of politics, even if it sometimes faces politically motivated scrutiny.
Trump’s Excuses and the IRS
Many argue that the lack of finalized tax returns isn’t due to any shortcoming of the IRS but rather the lack of cooperation from Trump himself. He has previously stated, “It’s none of your business anyways!”
This stance indicates that Trump’s refusal to disclose his returns is more about personal choice than any procedural obstacles.
Amid this, David Cay Johnston, a well-known financial reporter, sheds more light on the situation. He points out that the Trump campaign has acknowledged that the audit only covers tax years 2012 and forward. There is no legal requirement for Trump to withhold his returns for newer years. He could, in theory, release returns from 1980 through 2011 without facing any political backlash.
The Potential Impact of Revealing Trump’s Taxes
Releasing Trump’s tax returns would provide invaluable insights into his financial affairs, properties, and business dealings. Here are some key areas that would be illuminated:
Philanthropy: We would learn if Trump has lived up to his image as a philanthropist. The tax returns could reveal if the extent of his donations is accurate.
Income: The returns would indicate if Trump has been earning as much as he claims.
Property Values: We could find out if Trump’s properties are worth what he claims they are.
Income Tax Payments: The documents could reveal if Trump has been paying the amount of income tax he claims.
Business Connections: Especially concerning is the potential exposure of Trump’s business relations with Russia, given current geopolitical tensions.
Given these potential revelations, why might Trump be reluctant to disclose these documents? Johnston suggests a law that would mandate the IRS to automatically disclose tax returns for serious presidential candidates. This could compel transparency and prevent similar scenarios where candidates withhold crucial financial information.
Conclusion
While the IRS is governed by strict guidelines to remain politically neutral, the concrete reasons behind Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns are not as straightforward. It is likely a matter of personal choice and mishandling of current procedures. Nevertheless, the demand for transparency remains, as the public deserves to know the financial details of their presidential candidates.
The ongoing debate over Trump's tax returns highlights the critical importance of transparency in government and the need for clear, unbiased procedures. Ensuring that the IRS can operate free from political influence is paramount for maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the tax system.