Why Can't We Subpoena for Trump's Tax Returns??!!

[jaxind]

With all this suspicion about Trump and his ties to Russia, we should be able to subpoena his tax returns, right??!!

[beachbum bob]

1. Nope... doesn't work that way unless he is under investigation of something

[napi21]

2. Can't do that. Only way is to prove to a judge there is something criminal in them, and I can't

imagine any judge saying OK based upon speculation.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Nope, that's not how subpoenas work.

First of all, who's the "we" that would do the subpoena-ing? Second, the subpoena would have to be related to an existing court or administrative proceeding, and approved by a court or administrative officer on a showing that the returns are relevant and necessary to the underlying proceeding. If the FBI opens an investigation relating to Trump's connections with Russia, and if the returns are likely to lead to relevant information they might be able to get a subpoena. Normally the IRS will not release tax returns directly so the subpoena would probably have to be directed to Trump himself and he would fight it like a rabid cornered wolverine.

[RainCaster]

4. The GOP should have required that of him BEFORE they made him their number one turd. (nt)

[jaxind]

5. Shoot!

I wish there was a way to see those tax returns!!!

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Couldn't the FBI subpoena them if they are investigating his Russian ties?

[okaawhatever]

9. If they can convince a judge that there is information in them that is evidence of a crime. nt

[bluestateguy]

8. Waste of time. A rogue IRS employee could just leak them

And I'm sure Obama could pardon him/her before leaving office to stave off any criminal charges that might result.