I think for a free and fair society, in an ideal society this would be give. However, forcing a public figure to disclose their tax return might not be possibility.
In the United States specifically, I would say that at the very least, the president and members of the Supreme Court should be required to disclose their tax returns to the public. I would probably …Read MoreIn the United States specifically, I would say that at the very least, the president and members of the Supreme Court should be required to disclose their tax returns to the public. I would probably expand that to Senators as well. Given the power held by people in the position, and the fact that relatively few people hold these positions, financial transparency is very important. It is well known that people in high government ranks receive benefits from their jobs which is fine, but American people are the priority and deserve to know about anything that might conflict with their elected officials meeting their wishes. In general, any public figure that has a role as a representative should disclose their tax returns, but not all public figures need to.Read Less
It depends on who is a “public figure” — if it is a politician, I think the answer would be yes. It makes sense that people who influence tax legislation should have to disclose their own tax returns …Read MoreIt depends on who is a “public figure” — if it is a politician, I think the answer would be yes. It makes sense that people who influence tax legislation should have to disclose their own tax returns to the public. This can especially be seen in the case of Donald Trump where he ran for president and served as president without his tax returns being disclosed — only to find out later on that he lied/cheated on them.Read Less
I think it would make sense as they should be held to the same standard if not higher since they are in the public eye and often create/influence decisions for the rest of the society. But is it …Read MoreI think it would make sense as they should be held to the same standard if not higher since they are in the public eye and often create/influence decisions for the rest of the society. But is it ultimately necessary, I’m not entirely sure. I think it would create some transparency and build trust, but I think it’s possible to function without making it necessary too.Read Less
Similar to what was commented, I think it is crucial to define public figure. Top leaders across the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches should release their tax returns as a show of …Read MoreSimilar to what was commented, I think it is crucial to define public figure. Top leaders across the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches should release their tax returns as a show of transparency. At a minimum, there should be a much clearer, more accessible way to view who donates to them, who lobbies them, etc.Read Less
I think public figures who have influence on legislation related to taxes should have to disclose their tax return, but it may be uneccessary for other public figures.
If a politician works or participates in financial-related government workings then that person maybe should be required, and possibly should even be barred from things such as participating in the …Read MoreIf a politician works or participates in financial-related government workings then that person maybe should be required, and possibly should even be barred from things such as participating in the stock market. However, if a politician is not generally involved in such matters then there is no harm in keeping that information disclosed.Read Less
If it is necessary or relevant for public figures to disclose their tax returns, then yes. It might be beneficial if they are transparent, but it is difficult to say if it should be required.
I would say no. It is hard to decide because as a public figure they have more ability to cheat and not be paying as much as they should be. However, I think the issue lies more in putting more …Read MoreI would say no. It is hard to decide because as a public figure they have more ability to cheat and not be paying as much as they should be. However, I think the issue lies more in putting more regulations in place where this cheating is less likely to happen and public figures are watched more closely. However, as for making the tax return public, I feel this is an infringement of their rights. In the end, they are citizens of the U.S. and they have their right to privacy.Read Less
I think for a free and fair society, in an ideal society this would be give. However, forcing a public figure to disclose their tax return might not be possibility.
In the United States specifically, I would say that at the very least, the president and members of the Supreme Court should be required to disclose their tax returns to the public. I would probably …Read MoreIn the United States specifically, I would say that at the very least, the president and members of the Supreme Court should be required to disclose their tax returns to the public. I would probably expand that to Senators as well. Given the power held by people in the position, and the fact that relatively few people hold these positions, financial transparency is very important. It is well known that people in high government ranks receive benefits from their jobs which is fine, but American people are the priority and deserve to know about anything that might conflict with their elected officials meeting their wishes. In general, any public figure that has a role as a representative should disclose their tax returns, but not all public figures need to. Read Less
It depends on who is a “public figure” — if it is a politician, I think the answer would be yes. It makes sense that people who influence tax legislation should have to disclose their own tax returns …Read MoreIt depends on who is a “public figure” — if it is a politician, I think the answer would be yes. It makes sense that people who influence tax legislation should have to disclose their own tax returns to the public. This can especially be seen in the case of Donald Trump where he ran for president and served as president without his tax returns being disclosed — only to find out later on that he lied/cheated on them. Read Less
I think it would make sense as they should be held to the same standard if not higher since they are in the public eye and often create/influence decisions for the rest of the society. But is it …Read MoreI think it would make sense as they should be held to the same standard if not higher since they are in the public eye and often create/influence decisions for the rest of the society. But is it ultimately necessary, I’m not entirely sure. I think it would create some transparency and build trust, but I think it’s possible to function without making it necessary too. Read Less
Similar to what was commented, I think it is crucial to define public figure. Top leaders across the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches should release their tax returns as a show of …Read MoreSimilar to what was commented, I think it is crucial to define public figure. Top leaders across the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches should release their tax returns as a show of transparency. At a minimum, there should be a much clearer, more accessible way to view who donates to them, who lobbies them, etc. Read Less
I think public figures who have influence on legislation related to taxes should have to disclose their tax return, but it may be uneccessary for other public figures.
If a politician works or participates in financial-related government workings then that person maybe should be required, and possibly should even be barred from things such as participating in the …Read MoreIf a politician works or participates in financial-related government workings then that person maybe should be required, and possibly should even be barred from things such as participating in the stock market. However, if a politician is not generally involved in such matters then there is no harm in keeping that information disclosed. Read Less
If it is necessary or relevant for public figures to disclose their tax returns, then yes. It might be beneficial if they are transparent, but it is difficult to say if it should be required.
I think for high ranking officials and big businessmen it could be useful
I would say no. It is hard to decide because as a public figure they have more ability to cheat and not be paying as much as they should be. However, I think the issue lies more in putting more …Read MoreI would say no. It is hard to decide because as a public figure they have more ability to cheat and not be paying as much as they should be. However, I think the issue lies more in putting more regulations in place where this cheating is less likely to happen and public figures are watched more closely. However, as for making the tax return public, I feel this is an infringement of their rights. In the end, they are citizens of the U.S. and they have their right to privacy. Read Less
I would say maybe, as it depends on whether the public figure is a private citizen or a public official.