Stevens Proposes Bill Requiring Tax Return Disclosure for All Congress Members
Rep. Haley Stevens introduces legislation requiring all Congress members and candidates to publicly release tax returns within strict deadlines, citing need for transparency.
BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN — U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens introduced legislation Thursday that would require all members of Congress and congressional candidates to publicly release their tax returns annually, highlighting the need for greater transparency in Washington.
The Birmingham Democrat’s “Release Your Taxes Act” follows Stevens’ voluntary disclosure of her own tax returns during Tax Day week in mid-April. Stevens, who is running for the U.S. Senate, said the measure addresses concerns about wealthy lawmakers serving in Congress.
“There are already too many millionaires in Congress,” Stevens said in a statement. “Americans agree, and they deserve to know who they are voting for each election.”
Disclosure Requirements and Timeline
Under Stevens’ proposed legislation, lawmakers and candidates would face strict disclosure deadlines for various tax return scenarios. Members of Congress and congressional candidates would need to release tax returns within two days of filing with the Internal Revenue Service for years they serve or run for office.
The bill also requires disclosure of tax returns from previous years of service as a member or candidate within two days of IRS filing. For tax returns filed in the same year someone becomes a member or candidate but before taking the role, disclosure must occur within 30 days of assuming the position.
The legislation mandates release of tax returns for tax year 2025 within 30 business days after the law’s enactment.
Public Database Creation
The proposed law would establish a public database managed by both chambers of Congress. The Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate would oversee creating and maintaining a public database containing all congressional tax returns.
These officials would be required to publish received tax returns within five business days of receipt, ensuring rapid public access to the financial information.
Political Context
Stevens’ bill introduction comes as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat, where recent fundraising reports show her trailing behind other Democratic primary candidates. According to Michigan Advance, fellow Democrats Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed outpaced Stevens in first-quarter fundraising for the Senate race.
The transparency initiative represents Stevens’ effort to distinguish her campaign on government accountability issues while addressing public skepticism about wealthy individuals serving in elected office. Stevens was among only a few Michigan political candidates who voluntarily released their tax returns during the traditional Tax Day disclosure period in April.
The legislation faces an uncertain path in Congress, where many members have historically resisted mandatory financial disclosure requirements beyond existing ethics rules. Current congressional ethics laws require members to file annual financial disclosure forms but do not mandate tax return releases.
