US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB8637

Introduced
 
Introduced
4/30/26  

Caption

Release Your Taxes Act of 2026

Summary

HB8637, titled the Release Your Taxes Act of 2026, would require Members of Congress and congressional candidates to disclose their federal income tax return filings to congressional officials, who must then maintain a public database and post the filings on a public website. The bill covers current Members, candidates for Congress, and individuals who become Members or candidates after filing a return, and it also requires a statement from those who are not required to file a federal return for a given year. The disclosure obligation would apply to tax return filings for tax years beginning in 2025 and later. Covered individuals would generally have to submit their filings within two business days after filing with the IRS, or within 30 days if they become a Member or candidate after filing. The bill also requires prompt publication of noncompliance and allows those names to remain listed until compliance or six years after the person leaves office or candidacy. It creates a new disclosure regime centered on the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate, and it would effectively add a public transparency requirement to congressional service and campaigns.

Impact

The bill would not change the Internal Revenue Code itself, but it would create a new federal disclosure requirement for Members of Congress and congressional candidates, administered by the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate. It would require the creation and maintenance of a public tax-return database and impose deadlines for submission, publication, and noncompliance notices. The main affected parties are sitting Members, congressional candidates, and individuals who later become candidates or Members after filing a return.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a transparency and accountability proposal rather than a partisan policy change. The title and structure suggest support for public disclosure of elected officials’ finances, but there is no available transcript or vote history here to show broader agreement or opposition. Overall sentiment cannot be measured from the provided record, though the bill’s purpose is clearly presented as pro-disclosure.

Contention

The most likely point of contention is privacy versus transparency: the bill would make personal tax return filings publicly available, which could raise concerns about confidentiality, security, and the scope of financial disclosure for candidates and officeholders. Another possible issue is administrative burden, since the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate would have to manage a public database, track deadlines, and post noncompliance notices. Because no committee discussion or votes are provided, no specific objections or supporters are identified in the record.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB463

Lower Your Taxes Act

US HB2475

Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2025

US HB7754

Take Your Rate Act of 2026

US HB57

Ending Catch and Release Act of 2025

US HB8316

Donald J. Trump Wealth Tax Act of 2026

US HB8831

Protecting Our Democracy Act

US SB2912

Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025

US HB4894

Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025

US HB6979

PLAY Act of 2026 Promoting Lifelong Activity for Youth Act of 2026

US SB1850

Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025

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