Once upon a time, back when I was 28, I found myself as the plaintiff in a small claims court case against the Oregon Department of Revenue. They claimed I owed them money from a period when I was living and paying taxes in California. Armed only with my Los Angeles apartment lease and a library card, I represented myself in court, proving my residency. The Department recognized me as a part-year resident, recalculating my taxes, and I walked away relieved — no longer in debt to Oregon for $527, a considerable sum considering my modest income at a stationery store on Melrose Avenue.
In this age, many individuals are willing to pay substantial fees to “online reputation management” firms to hide any mention of personal litigation, even if the matters are trivial or have favorable outcomes. However, I’ve never felt the need to hide my case. When it comes to my taxes, I have nothing to conceal.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the current president of the United States.
On Saturday, April 15, I will be joining the Tax March in my city, among 150 protests nationwide urging President Trump to release his tax returns. My reasons for participating are deeply intertwined with both national and local issues.
For nearly four decades, President Trump is the only major-party nominee to withhold his tax returns. Last year, during his campaign, Trump asserted he could not release them because he was under IRS audit. Notably, Warren Buffet, the esteemed investor, publicly released his own returns while under audit, showcasing that transparency should prevail—regardless of an audit.
Recently, investigative journalist David Cay Johnston unearthed Trump’s 2005 tax return, revealing a staggering $103 million write-off, significantly reducing his tax liability. This raises questions: could his other returns unveil a perpetually low tax rate or even questionable financial ties to Russia, which he has always denied? Or perhaps they contain mundane information. Until the public sees them, the truth remains elusive—and Americans deserve access to this information.
Beyond the national significance, I’m participating in my local Tax March as it builds on the momentum of the Women’s March. The three main organizers in my area, Kyle, Sam, and Mia—a tech expert, a former educator, and a financial professional—are stepping up to the plate for the first time, driven by the shock of Trump’s election. They’re joining forces with fellow activists from coast to coast, from bustling cities to small towns like Covington, Georgia, population 13,452. These are not hired protesters; they’re our friends, family, and neighbors dedicating their time to advocate for transparency.
The collective demand for the President’s tax returns unites us across distances. As a member of a minority community, I am among the 84% of people of color who believe he should make them public. This sentiment spans across 94% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans.
If you also believe it’s vital for the President to disclose his tax returns, you’re already part of this movement—no exceptions. Join us as we march on April 15. If you’re interested in finding your local Tax March, visit this link for more information.
In summary, the Tax March is more than just a protest; it’s a collective call for accountability and transparency. It’s about ensuring that the leaders we elect are held to the same standards we all are. Let’s come together and advocate for what’s right.