On April 15, a significant event known as the Tax March will take place, and I plan to participate. My reasons for attending stem from both local and national concerns regarding transparency in governance.
A Personal Reflection
Reflecting on my past, I was once involved in a small claims court case against the Oregon Department of Revenue when I was 28. The department mistakenly believed I owed them money from a period when I was living and paying taxes in California. Representing myself, I provided proof of my residency with my Los Angeles apartment lease and library card. In the end, the department acknowledged my status as a part-year resident, and what initially seemed like a daunting $527 tax bill was eliminated. For someone earning a modest salary at a stationery store on Melrose Avenue, that amount was quite significant.
In today’s world, many people spend considerable resources on companies that specialize in “online reputation management” to erase any trace of personal legal matters, even if the circumstances were relatively harmless or had a favorable outcome. However, I have never felt the need to hide my experience because I believe in being transparent about my tax situation.
The Call for Transparency
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the current president of the United States. This Saturday, I will join protests in my community, part of a larger movement across 150 cities, urging President Trump to disclose his tax returns. My motivation is fueled by the fact that Trump is the first major-party candidate in nearly four decades to withhold this information from the public. During his campaign, he cited an ongoing IRS audit as the reason for his refusal to release his returns. However, prominent figures like Warren Buffett, who has publicly shared his own tax returns while under audit, have demonstrated that this excuse may not hold water.
Recently, investigative journalist David Hill obtained Trump’s 2005 tax return, revealing that he had utilized a $103 million write-off to significantly reduce his tax burden. This raises questions about what else his tax returns might reveal—perhaps a persistently low tax rate or undisclosed financial relationships with foreign entities, particularly Russia, which he has consistently denied. Until these documents are made public, the American people are left in the dark.
Community and Collective Action
Beyond the national implications, my participation in the Tax March connects to the broader momentum generated by the Women’s March. The event here in Portland, Oregon, is organized by three passionate individuals—Jenna, Mark, and Sara—who are stepping into activism for the first time, driven by a desire for accountability. They are part of a nationwide movement comprising everyday citizens who are dedicating their time to advocate for transparency in government.
This collective yearning for the president’s tax returns unites diverse groups, including a striking 84% of people of color who share this demand. Notably, 94% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans also believe that Trump’s tax returns should be made public. If you agree that it’s essential for the president to disclose his tax returns, you are already part of this growing movement. Join us on April 15 for the march.
Further Reading
For those interested in related topics, you can explore this post about couples’ fertility journeys for more insights. Additionally, this resource on intrauterine insemination can provide valuable information, while this at-home insemination kit guide is an excellent authority on the subject.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tax March on April 15 represents a critical call for transparency, uniting individuals across various backgrounds who believe in the importance of accountability in government. I will be there, standing alongside fellow citizens advocating for our right to know.
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