Release Your Taxes Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill establishes a mandatory public database for the federal income tax returns of Members of Congress and congressional candidates, aiming to increase transparency in political finance.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that all incumbent Members of Congress and congressional candidates publicly disclose their federal income tax returns (Form 1040 and Schedule A) and any extension requests. These filings would be submitted to a new public database maintained by the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate, accessible online within five business days of receipt. Individuals not required to file taxes must submit a statement to that effect.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill enhances transparency and accountability for elected officials and those seeking office. Public disclosure of tax returns allows voters to scrutinize potential conflicts of interest, sources of income, and tax compliance, fostering greater public trust in government and ensuring that representatives are truly serving the public interest.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this requirement is an invasion of privacy, deterring qualified individuals from running for office due to the extensive personal financial scrutiny. They may also contend that existing financial disclosure laws are sufficient and that tax returns contain sensitive personal information unrelated to public service.
The bill is short and easy to read, allowing ample time for public consideration of its implications.
Section 2(a)
Definitions of Key Terms
This section defines crucial terms used throughout the Act, including "appropriate congressional officials" (Clerk of the House, Secretary of the Senate), "congressional candidate" (anyone seeking nomination or election to Congress), "Member of Congress" (Senator, Representative, Delegate, Resident Commissioner), and "tax return filing" (Form 1040, Schedule A, extension requests, and statements of no filing requirement). These definitions clarify who is subject to the disclosure requirements and what documents must be disclosed.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue that clear definitions are essential for effective implementation and to avoid ambiguity regarding who must comply with the disclosure rules.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the definitions themselves, but they underpin the broader privacy concerns related to the bill's core mandate.
Tradeoffs
Ensures clarity for compliance versus potential overreach if definitions were too broad, though this is not a significant tension in this specific provision.
Section 2(b) and 2(c)
Public Database for Tax Returns
This provision mandates that the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate establish and maintain a public online database containing all submitted tax return filings. The officials are also required to publish each received filing on this website within five business days of its receipt, making the financial information of Members and candidates readily accessible to the general public.
Section 2(d)
Mandatory Tax Return Submission
This section outlines the core disclosure requirement. Members of Congress and congressional candidates must submit their tax return filings (Form 1040, Schedule A, extension requests) to the appropriate congressional officials within two business days of filing with the IRS. If an individual becomes a Member or candidate after filing their taxes, they have 30 days to submit the returns. Those not required to file taxes must submit a statement explaining this.
Section 2(e)
Non-Compliance Penalties and Public Listing
This provision establishes consequences for non-compliance. If an individual fails to submit their tax return filing as required, the appropriate congressional officials must promptly include their name on the public website. Their name will remain on this 'non-compliance' list until they comply or until six years have passed since they ceased being a Member of Congress or a congressional candidate, ensuring public awareness of non-compliance.
Section 2(f) and 2(g)
Effective Date and Retroactive Disclosure
The bill includes transition rules, requiring current Members and candidates to submit any tax filings from the calendar year of enactment within 30 days of the bill becoming law, even if those filings occurred before the law's effective date. The Act applies to tax years beginning in 2025 or each succeeding year, meaning the first disclosures would cover 2025 tax returns.