The only people who need to see the tax returns for all candidates is the IRS.

Then, we the people, need to trust that if something is wrong, or illegal, it will be addressed by the IRS officials. The media spinners do not need more ammo to sling mud at the candidates. As long as their income was earned legally, and the documents pass the IRS litmus tests, then that is enough.

I don't care if they release them or not. When they do, the only thing I even glance at is how much they donate as a percentage of income.

Has every previous POTUS released their tax records?

If everyone else before him has released their tax records then he should follow suit.

 

I personally don't care or lose sleep over it. If his taxes weren't on the up and up it'd be public knowledge right now.

 

I'll never understand why things like tax records, college transcripts, indiscretions from the past, etc are such a big deal for Presidential candidates. I really don't care or think any of those things show how well a person can be the POTUS.

 

If we find out Romney paid little taxes couldn't that help his cause? Wouldn't that show how savvy he is with money?

The best thing to have done would have been to release them a long time ago. The American public has a very short memory.

 

Release it, let folks talk about it, let folks forget about it, then move on to important issues.

 

IMO as long as he waits it will remain an issue.

Lets look at this from a prespecitive of what personal information would be disclosed to entities who are vetting someone for various 'normal' things in everyday life. Somewhat putting aside the politics.

 

- Tax Returns

At least 1 year returns and sometimes 2 years of returns are commonly required for a new mortgage. So asking for 'recent' tax return information is standard for even 'normal' people. Given this - maybe up to 3 previous years would reasonable.

 

- College transcripts and records

Potential employers usually require this information. So these should be disclosed by candidates without question.

 

- Secondary or primary school records

These are not usually disclosed in the course of 'normal' persons vetting. Lets say no to those. If you want to brag about being a straight-A go 5th grader go ahead. But not something that is needed.

 

- Source state-issued birth documents

Required for passports and many other government functions as well as youth athletic functions (and they will not accept copies or internet images). So they should be fully disclosed.

 

- Criminal/court records

These are public records and part of any decent background check. These should be disclosed.

 

- Real Estate transactions

Again these are public records and should be fully disclosed. Even if not disclosed the press should be able get hold and publish.

 

- Bankruptcy and other serious financial court ordered or court managed transactions

These again should be public records and should be full disclosed.

 

- Medical records

These are usually considered 'personal'. But insurance companies and hiring companies are certainly are getting more into these. i.e. some companies will not hire smokers. So this one is tough. Maybe very recent medical reports, but certainly not lifetime.

 

- Divorce proceedings

While personal these records may contain pertinent information, especially for anything that is 'ongoing'. If sealed, any 'ongoing' requirements or agreements should be disclosed.

 

- Family records (financial, medical, criminal, etc.)

If not directly tied to the candidate I would say no. Lets not drag families in unless there something tied directly to the candidate.

 

- Passport records

Seems reasonable. Time and dates of entry and exit to and from the country.

 

- Results of 'standard' security clearance checks done by governments

Many people have to go through these now. They are required for many jobs. So these should be disclosed.

 

- FBI files

Hopefully this is not an issue. But if the FBI felt a need to keep a file on a candidate that should be disclosed.

 

 

I think if the current administration gets into a vetting war with formal documents they have some catching up to do if you use the list above.

Those who think it will hurt/help him. Why? Does anyone really think that it's going to change many votes? Can't see it. People may say they're independant or undecided but those few who are really in that mindset are not swayed by these distractions about college transcripts or tax returns. They are waiting for Romney to convince them he can do a better job than Obama has done.

but part of me says when you are going to lead this country the citizenry does benefit from knowing where the POTUS' income has been earned.

 

So long as it was income earned in a legal manner, how does it benefit voters to know?

 

I think instead, all candidates for president, the Senate, the House, and all appointees to the president's cabinet and the Supreme Court should have their past three years tax returns audited and all that should be released are the findings from the audits, ie the returns were compliant with tax laws or one or more were not and the discrepancies were...........

My personal opinion is if you want to be POTUS you should release any information about yourself that is requested. Be it tax returns, college transcripts, BC's, what books you checked out at the library, what's on your DVR.

 

Candidates should be as transparent as absolutely possible.

Those who think it will hurt/help him. Why? Does anyone really think that it's going to change many votes? Can't see it. People may say they're independant or undecided but those few who are really in that mindset are not swayed by these distractions about college transcripts or tax returns. They are waiting for Romney to convince them he can do a better job than Obama has done.

 

See post 10 for my (limited) analysis.

John Kerry is worth 3 times more than Romney. Don't remember such attacks on him. At least Romney earned his money..

John Kerry is worth 3 times more than Romney. Don't remember such attacks on him.

 

This was brought up recently and I think a valid point.

John Kerry is worth 3 times more than Romney. Don't remember such attacks on him. At least Romney earned his money..

 

I was thinking it was actually Kerry's wife who had the big bucks from her prior marriage(to a Republican at that). I don't believe she ever released her tax returns but she might have. I do remember it being brought up.

I was thinking it was actually Kerry's wife who had the big bucks from her prior marriage(to a Republican at that). I don't believe she ever released her tax returns but she might have. I do remember it being brought up.

 

 

I was thinking the same. I remember the jokes being that he married into money and things of that nature.

Yeah, how dare that nasty Romney, he actually worked for his money.