How Trump’s (Private) Tax Returns Could Become Public: QuickTake

Though candidates for the U.S. presidency aren’t required by law to show voters their tax returns, they almost always do so as a gesture of personal disclosure. Donald Trump is a rare exception. During his campaign, and in more than two years as president, he has declined to make public his tax documents. Now opposition Democrats, who took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in January, want to use their new power to get them.

1. Why hasn’t Trump released his tax returns?

His most consistent explanation has been that, at the advice of his lawyers, he won’t do ...