President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released their 2022 federal income tax returns on Tuesday, revealing a combined adjusted gross income of $579,514. This figure is slightly less than the $610,702 they earned in 2021.
According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, "The President and First Lady are committed to transparency and continue to set an example by releasing their tax returns."
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also released their respective tax returns for public scrutiny. The couple reported earning $580,000 with an effective federal income rate of 20.5% in 2022.
In total, Harris and Emhoff paid $169,820 in combined federal (Delaware), Virginia income tax for that year. Additionally, Emhoff contributed $9,697 towards District of Columbia income tax.
Furthermore, both couples demonstrated philanthropic activities through charitable donations throughout the year. The first couple donated about $20k to charity in 2022 which included a generous contribution of $5k to the foundation honoring the late Beau Biden—President Biden's son who succumbed to brain cancer back in 2015.
Similarly significant were Vice President Kamala Harris' charitable contributions amounting up to approximately $23k alongside her husband Doug Emhoff. It should be noted that this sum was generated on significantly lower earnings compared with previous years; Ms.Harris had reported making over $1.6 million during those periods.
Tax return disclosures by executive officeholders have been customary since Watergate-era reforms took effect; however former President Donald Trump broke with tradition when he refused to release his own documents citing ongoing audits as justification for withholding them from public view.
This move towards increased transparency under the current administration is welcomed by many advocates for accountability within government institutions who appreciate having access not only into financial dealings but also into the charitable inclinations of its leaders.