Theories on why Sanders hasn't released his tax returns?

[Nye Bevan]

I doubt that there's any embarrassing income there. My guess is that his charitable contributions were embarrassingly low (perhaps zero) for one or more of the years, and he simply doesn't want to look like a cheapskate.

[Politicalboi]

1. At least he's not laundering money

Through a Sanders Foundation.

Let's see the Clinton's taxes.

[Nye Bevan]

3. Here ya go:

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/p/files/returns/WJC_HRC_2014_Form_1040.pdf

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/p/files/returns/WJC_HRC_2013_Form_1040.pdf

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/p/files/returns/WJC_HRC_2012_Form_1040.pdf

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/p/files/returns/WJC_HRC_2011_Form_1040.pdf

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/p/files/returns/WJC_HRC_2010_Form_1040.pdf

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/p/files/returns/WJC_HRC_2009_Form_1040.pdf

[litlbilly]

6. Is that all you got? try something else

[Nye Bevan]

7. I was replying to a poster who wanted to see the Clintons' taxes.

So I posted the online links to their tax returns. I'm not sure that I understand your post.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

21. As a fair and unbiased observer I am compelled to give this round to you./nt

[JoFerret]

48. While it's actually unlikely (imo)

we don't know without seeing the documents do we?

And trust a politician? Really - now THAT is naive.

[AgingAmerican]

2. It's a distraction from the Clinton camp

Because they don't want to talk about issues.

[JoFerret]

45. That's silly. Clinton is the policy wonk

and will talk policy till your ears drop off.

Sanders hits his key themes over and over again.

[AgingAmerican]

69. I have yet to find a Clinton supporter who can list her positions on the issues

Probably because she changes them like a chameleon.

[Lucinda]

72. We've posted links to tons of speeches on specifics,

and links to her policy papers many times. Amazing you have missed them all.

[AgingAmerican]

74. Depends which week they are from

Cuz they change from week to week...

[Armstead]

4. I take him at his word..

He and Jane are kind of busy and preoccupied....and their income and taxes are not a whole lot different than the one they released.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

[Nanjeanne]

5. Well according to his 2014 tax returns . . .

Yes . . . that's right - they were released in 2015:

According to his tax forms, Sanders and his wife paid $27,653 in federal income tax and another $7,903 in Vermont income tax last year. The couple paid an effective tax rate of 19.6 percent on their federal taxable income of $140,994.

Sanders reported receiving $156,441 from his Senate job, after contributions to a savings plan and health insurance. The couple reported receiving another $46,213 in Social Security benefits, of which $39,281 was taxable.

Sanders also reported income of $4,982 from the pension he receives having been mayor of Burlington, Vt., in the 1980s. And his wife had another $4,900 in compensation for sitting on a commission devoted to the management of low-level radioactive waste disposal.

On a separate disclosure form required of presidential candidates, Sanders reported having between $25,000 and $65,000 in credit card debt at some point during the past year.

Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs said the debt was related to weddings of a daughter and niece and that Sanders and his wife had since paid the balance on the two credit cards down to zero.

“Like a lot of Americans, they use credit cards to pay everyday expenses,” Briggs said.

On the disclosure form, which was filed May 29 with the Federal Election Commission, Sanders also noted having received $1,017.42 in 2014 from the publisher of a book that includes the text of a nearly nine-hour filibuster he conducted in 2010. The book is titled “The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class.” Sanders also reported receiving an $850 honorarium for having appeared on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

The money from the book and the television appearance were both donated to charity, Briggs said. Sanders donated another $8,350 to charity last year, Briggs said.

On his Vermont tax return, Sanders made a total of $150 in voluntary contributions to support four causes: at-risk children; endangered wildlife; military veterans; and the environment.

On his federal return, Sanders -- who advocates for public financed elections -- elected to support the presidential election campaign fund.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/06/30/on-tax-returns-sanders-and-wife-report-200000-in-income-mostly-from-his-senate-post/

[questionseverything]

32. so is it 2015 tax forms the hc peops are complaining about?

they are not even due yet

[Nanjeanne]

39. They want the ones pre 2014 I guess. Plus they don't believe 2014 is out there

because it requires actually reading something other than a tweet.

And they seem to think Sanders travels with his tax returns from 2009 in his back pocket so he can just "release them already". Or that he has a tax accountant on speed dial that can do it for him. Or maybe call his man-servant to go to his vault and get them ready for publication . . .

Or who knows what else. So ridiculous.

[questionseverything]

60. ty nan

figures it is much to do about nothing

[JoFerret]

50. They are filed. Just not released. n/t

[PatrickforO]

51. Zing!!!!!!!!!!! You OWN this thread now. It's called TRUTH.

[beam me up scottie]

55. NOT GOOD ENOUGH BERNIE!!! J/k. You put the op in his place, well done!

[R B Garr]

8. Tax returns are standard issue for any candidate. The fact that he's this reluctant is suspicious

in itself. His behavior becomes the subject instead of the returns. I think you have a good guess, though, about the charities. But now it does look suspicious, mostly because he's such a moralizer yet he can't conform to the most basic of requirements himself.

It's comical that he or his spokespeople would compare tax returns to Wall Street speeches. How phony can you get. Tax Returns are a requirement for every candidate.

Since Bernie makes Wall Street the cornerstone of his campaign, a Wall Street vs. Wall Street exchange would be equitable. Bernie should release a list of the Wall Street execs he would prosecute and list their crimes. Then he can continue preaching about Wall Street. The Wall Street meltdown was 8 years ago, so surely he has a list of bad guys he wants to put in jail. New Yorkers need to know! Get those guys out on Front Street so Bernie can round them up.

[Nanjeanne]

13. Who said he's reluctant. He released 2014

He is on the road and his taxes were done by his wife so it's not like he's calling his accountant to make copies for him. I'm sure he'll get to them when he gets back home. I doubt they will be much different than his 2014 ones.

Just because "twitter" cuts down soundbites to make it sound like he isn't going to release them - he said he would as soon as he can.

[R B Garr]

15. lol, every candidate is "on the road". That's just an excuse.

[Nanjeanne]

26. Oh jeez. But whatever . . . this is such a non-issue

What do you think you will discover? Sanders has a tax haven in the Cayman Islands?

[R B Garr]

29. He's such a moralizer, just release the returns already. His whole schtick is morality,

so release his own documentation or quit accusing people of nefarious wrongdoings just to get people to clap for you.

[Nanjeanne]

31. He said he would. He can't push a button in Wisconsin and have them appear in your mailbox.

But "nefarious wrongdoings just to get people to clap for you" is really funny. Thanks for that laugh.

[R B Garr]

40. His whole platform is based on morality. Yet he's given a pass when he can't hold

himself to his own standards. Yeah, what a laugh. Hilarious.

[Nanjeanne]

44. What freaking pass? He said he would release them. He released 2014. He paid his taxes, gave to

charity and earned about $200,000.

Damn that man - he is so immoral.

Don't use up all your outrage. Once he releases more than 2014 you are going to need something else for your faux-scandal.

[beam me up scottie]

64. Don't waste your time, this is a witch hunt based on conspiracy theories.

I would stay away from the desperate, don't get any on you.

[brooklynite]

61. If ONE tax return was good enough for MITT ROMNEY, it's good enough for Bernie Sanders?

[Nanjeanne]

63. No. He said in the interview that he will release the rest as soon as he can. He

said his wife did the taxes - not as an excuse - but because he doesn't have a tax accountant who has copies on file for him. So he would need to (like many people) go to his home or office or safe deposit box - or wherever they are filed - and have copies made and do whatever else one does to get that information to the media (I'm sure there is some personal info like SS #s etc that has to be redacted, etc.).

I'm sure most people don't have their returns from 5 years ago in their pockets to be whipped out as needed.

[Gwhittey]

16. They are but not in primary.

Ethics in Government Act of 1978 is what requires all presidential and vice presidential candidates were required to release certain financial documents. Sanders and Clinton are not running for president right now they are running for nomination. Once Sanders get the nomination he will be required to provide the financial forms called for in Ethics in Government Act of 1978. Asking for them now is just a stupid tactic. More so if you are someone whining about personal attacks like Clinton is.

[R B Garr]

20. Talk about whining, that's all Sanders basically does is whine about Clinton and Wall Street, so

he should hold himself to as high a standard as he sets for her. If he can't even provide basic documentation but constantly rails against others, then he's a hypocrite.

[Gwhittey]

23. Yea I understand your point of view

You think corruption and people with loads money is good for America. I understand that. I am surround by GOP people down here in SC so I hear same thing from them all time. They are not evil people they just think "Some day I am going to be a %1 so must protect them" So I do understand where you are coming from on this.

[R B Garr]

38. lol, what a dishonest shift in your "concerns". Now you're insinuating I'm protecting

the "1%'ers" because I think Sanders should quit whining about other people when he hasn't accounted yet for himself. That's hilarious. I could also imply you're protecting "1%ers" because you obviously condone Susan Sarandon shilling for Bernie and she's worth $50 million. Thanks for your "concern"

[Gwhittey]

43. "Talk about whining, that's all Sanders basically does is whine about Clinton and Wall Street"

Well if you think talking about Wall Street committing fraud and almost causing a total collapse of world economy as whining I do so bye bye I no longer see you.

[R B Garr]

47. Then have Sanders provide a list of the evil Wall Street execs he will prosecute.

Name their names and crimes. The WS meltdown was 8 years ago, so surely he has a list by now. If he's going to moralize about it, then he should back up his claims with names and crimes. I'm so tired of the vapid whines from his campaign when it's obvious he hasn't really given it much thought except how to attack people during his stump speech. Everyone clap for Bernie!

[HereSince1628]

9. My guess is their 2016 taxes aren't completed, yet

They could release 2015 alone, but why not wait 2 weeks and let it all get analyzed simultaneously?

Nothing really will change. The filing date -is- before New York primary

[TCJ70]

12. You mean 2015...

...and the 2014 return was already released.

[SHRED]

10. This whole LOTE meme now taking place...

...from the HRC camp isn't going to work.

Not even close.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

11. theories on why you guys keep spam posting this

Ya got nothin else

[PatrickforO]

54. Why? Somewhere, probably unknown to Clinton (plausible deniability).

MONEY has changed hands.

A nickel a post, maybe?

[Cheese Sandwich]

14. Because nobody cares?

Since he doesn't have a 25 year history of dishonesty and corruption, and hasn't gotten filthy rich off his government job, hasn't taken legal bribe money, nobody cares.

[JoFerret]

30. It's actually a legal requirement

for those running for president. And I do care.

What's the problem? Seems like a self-inflicted wound left to fester.

And IF there is some minor problem in the filing then better get it over with now rather than wait for it to get worse.

[TM99]

81. You are very wrong.

It is not a legal requirement.

Individual income tax returns — including those of public figures — are private information, protected by law from unauthorized disclosure. Indeed, the Internal Revenue Service is barred from releasing any taxpayer information whatsoever, except to authorized agencies and individuals.

Like all other citizens, U.S. presidents enjoy this protection of their privacy. Since the early 1970s, however, most presidents have chosen to release their returns publicly. In the hope of making this information more widely available, the Tax History Project at Tax Analysts has compiled an archive of presidential tax returns.

http://www.taxhistory.org/www/website.nsf/Web/PresidentialTaxReturns

Sanders 2014 tax return is available on that site in all its glory. The 2015 one will follow after filing this year. The Sanders team will likely release previous ones as well to follow tradition.

But it is categorically false to spread a lie that it is a legal requirement when it is most certainly not.

[JoFerret]

34. Not filthy rich for sure. But he's a millionaire

according to Money magazine at least. (Mostly pension stuff as I recall from the article - all quite usual and respectable)

So nothing excessive but not sackcloth and ashes either.

[Octafish]

17. UBS Wealth Management accidentally sent him another person's statement?

Har har. It is to laugh, Phil Gramm! (not present in photo)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511200048

[Lucinda]

18. Could be! Hard to say though until he releases more - pre-2014.

[jillan]

19. My guess is the returns are at home in Vermont & they are everywhere but there.

It's not like they can call up their accountant & tell them to release a copy.

[Hiraeth]

22. I thought you were better than this.

Appears I was wrong.

[smiley]

24. I haven't done my 2015 taxes yet either.

Why don't we wait until the tax deadline and then maybe you have a reason for this question.

[JoFerret]

27. He's already FILED them

just hasn't released them. Not for years apparently.Nor have Drumpf, Kasich and Cruz. Clinton has.

[smiley]

42. I'm not worried.

If he says he'll release them. If he continues to delay, then yes I think that is an issue.

As far as I know he has released his 2014 taxes. Was he required to release taxes for years prior?
http://www.taxhistory.org/www/website.nsf/web/presidentialtaxreturns

[smiley]

58. here you go.

https://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/reports.php?year=2004&cid=N00000528

[JoFerret]

25. Some credibility in that

Sanders made it clear years ago that he doesn't believe in charity.

(I don't fault him for that. A decent society takes care of its needy.)

[Nanjeanne]

28. Except if you read his 2014 taxes you see he did give to charity.

[JoFerret]

37. Great. Good for him

But he is on record as saying he doesn't believe in charity.

But - whatever - giving or not giving is irrelevant (to me). Doesn't matter to me.

Transparency on something as basic as taxes does matter when a person is seeking to become President.

[beedle]

84. That's fine

I don't believe in it much either, for the same reason, but if the reality is that government doesn't look after a cause you believe in, then a person can step up without having to denounce government support of 'charitable' causes.

[Onlooker]

33. I bet he's not releasing them yet because he did them like the rest of us do ...

... He probably did a half-assed job on his taxes, and now has to have them professionally redone to figure out what's really going on. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if in the end he's owed money by the government.

The only other explanation for him not releasing them is that he didn't file, but that seems unlikely.

[JoFerret]

41. Inappropriate n/t

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

46. Let me guess, when a Hillary supporter says a Jew is a cheapskate, it's OK by you

...but when a Bernie supporter points out what a total ass the Hillary clown made of himself, now it's a problem?

I got your number, Ferret.

[Vattel]

36. He did release his 2014 returns. Get a life.

[restorefreedom]

49. wow. playing the cheapskate jewish card?

we have reached bottom.

[beam me up scottie]

57. They've been playing that all week. Can't trust those people with money *wink wink*.

[restorefreedom]

59. i guess i haven't missed much in my gdp vacation

man the slime factor is multiplying like roaches.

methinks the desperation is exploding

[beam me up scottie]

62. They've been running around all weekend posting links to right wing sites to "prove" their theories.

One SWEARS he's in bed with the Kochs because you know, those folks all stick together, another said he took 23 million in illegal contributions which was debunked weeks ago but the truth means nothing.

Ugly thing to see when Bernie's one of the poorest senators on the hill, if he's being bought out by special interests he must work for next to nothing.

[restorefreedom]

75. implosion is an ugly thing to witness

and when that implosion is coming from camp clinton, it is even uglier and more fictional

[beam me up scottie]

76. He's one of the poorest senators in Washington, who's going to believe he's hiding millions ?

Some are even saying Trump will make a big deal out of it. Like that wouldn't backfire?

[restorefreedom]

80. hahahahahaha....oh thats a good one!

you just made my evening! well done!

[sadoldgirl]

52. Nobody has to release them unless they are

the nominee of their party.

Since you are soooo convinced that HRC will be
winner, why do you care?

Perhaps HRC put hers out there because she
was assured this time around it would be a
piece of cake?

Never count your chickens before they are hatched.

[MattP]

53. One year! What a joke

Even Romney did two years

[beam me up scottie]

56. Here's a link to his FULL financial disclosures going back to 1990

http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/reports.php?year=2013&cid=N00000528


Here's a list, start digging, maybe you'll find something Rove, I mean Brock missed:

Bernie Sanders (I-Vt)

Summary Assets Liabilities Transactions Reports Other

The original disclosure files can be accessed below by filing year.

2015 Presidential (filed in 2016)

2014 (filed in 2015)

2013 (filed in 2014)

2013 Amendment (filed in 2014)

2012 (filed in 2013)

2012 Extension (filed in 2013)

2011 (filed in 2012)

2010 (filed in 2011)

2009 (filed in 2010)

2009 Extension (filed in 2010)

2008 Extension (filed in 2009)

2008 (filed in 2009)

2007 (filed in 2008)

2006 (filed in 2007)

2005 (filed in 2006)

2004 (filed in 2005)

2003 (filed in 2004)

2002 (filed in 2003)

2001 (filed in 2002)

2000 (filed in 2001)

1999 (filed in 2000)

1998 (filed in 1999)

1997 (filed in 1998)

1996 (filed in 1997)

1995 (filed in 1996)

1990 (filed in 1991)

Here's a breakdown by year from Money Nation:

We estimate Bernie Sanders’ net worth at $528,014. That’s 7.8 times larger than the net worth of the median American family. However, since all senator net worths are estimates, it’s possible Bernie Sanders’ net worth is much lower. In fact, Bernie Sanders’ net worth could be as low as $222,026. That’s 3.3 times larger than the net worth of the median American family. Finally, the Bernie Sanders net worth average of $528,014 is about twice the net worth of others in his age group.

According to Center for Responsive Politics and Money Nation data:

Bernie Sanders Net Worth August 2015: $528,014
Bernie Sanders Net Worth May 2015: $440,511
Bernie Sanders Net Worth 2014: $330,408
Bernie Sanders Net Worth 2013: $330,506
Bernie Sanders Net Worth 2012: $460,506
Net Worth 2011: $308,005
Net Worth 2010: $429,004
Net Worth 2009: $105,003
Net Worth 2008: $219,504
Net Worth 2007: $345,503
Net Worth 2006: $188,504
Net Worth 2005: $128,001
Net Worth 2004: $115,501

Bernie Sanders’ net worth has fluctuated over time, from $115,501 in 2004 to $345,503 in 2007. The 2008 financial crisis may have caused a drop of 36% of Sander’s net worth in that year. Sanders’ net worth sunk as low as $105,003 in 2009 and has gone as high as $460,506 in 2012.

Our figures above show a rise of $87,503 in Bernie Sanders’ net worth between May and August of 2015. However, only part of that rise comes from an actual change in Bernie Sanders’ net worth. Most of the change comes from amendments to disclosure forms. In other words, Sanders didn’t suddenly make an extra $87,000.

http://moneynation.com/bernie-sanders-net-worth/

But you won't, I've seen your associates claim he's hiding money from Russia, Israel, fracking, the NRA, that he's got millions stashed in offshore accounts, that he TOOK 23 MILLION IN ILLEGAL CONTRIBUTIONS, etc. According to the records he's one of the poorest senators in Washington, how many millions has Hillary collected from Wall Street again?

This is just another excuse to try to smear Bernie because the heat is on your candidate. It reeks of desperation but watching you guys flail around is amusing, so you think we can't see this for what it is?

Please proceed.

[Cryptoad]

66. whats he hiding in his tax returns???????

[beam me up scottie]

67. You tell me, what's missing from the financial disclosures?

The hyperventilating over manufactured poutrage is adorable. Like watching a school play.

[Cryptoad]

65. He's hiding somethingy

[DesertRat]

68. That seems like the only plausible explanation. nt

[TM99]

83. And there is the rat-fucking smear.

Y'all are so sadly predictable, and yet once these are released and nothing is afoot, you will look for another manufactured outrage to avoid the painful truth that the only candidate who hides shit is the corrupt Clinton y'all are supporting.

[DefenseLawyer]

70. He bought 1000 copies of The Communist Manifesto

Which he handed out as gifts and then claimed it as a business expense.

[beam me up scottie]

82. I KNEW IT!!!! #berniesocheaphewontpayforhisowncommiepropaganda

[Ed Suspicious]

86. Good. People should read more political theory. I'm glad he's encouraging that.

[silvershadow]

71. Red herring. Release the Wall Street speeches transcripts. nt

[Cryptoad]

85. WE will as soon as we have the reocrdings of the phone conversation

between Bern and the NRA~Gun Lobby

[silvershadow]

88. LOL Now there are conditions? Hillary didn't give any conditions other than checking with the

custodian, whom turned out to be herself.

[Hawaiianlight]

73. And Brock swings and misses again

He seems to be in a slump maybe he should lay off some of those pitches out of the strike zone.

[dflprincess]

77. To make sure the Clinton people would have something to froth at the mouth over this weekend?

Perhaps you can give us a preview of what this week's talking points will be?

[TM99]

78. Well he would be in good company then.

When Barack Obama released his 2000-2006 tax filings during the height of the presidential campaign, he was criticized for slightly-less-than-biblically-required charitable giving.

In those years, Obama (serving as Illinois state senator, then U.S. Senator) never offered more than six percent of his income to charity. Twice he gave less than one percent of his earnings.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/15/obama-tax-returns-for-200_n_187420.html

[geek tragedy]

79. Tax shelters and bad/curious investments. nt

[KingFlorez]

87. His only income is congressional and from his wife

It's obvious that he's never had a career or income outside of public service, which means zero private sector income. No one wants to look like a career politician who mooches off of their spouse.

[Hiraeth]

89. Because he has 12 more days to file? I know that is my excuse. BFD