Doubt no more … Donald Trump really is being audited by the IRS.
The Republican front-runner released on Wednesday evening a letter from his tax attorneys saying that his filings since 2002 have been under continuous scrutiny “consistent with the IRS’s practice for large and complex businesses.”
The letter was written by partners Sheri Dillon and William Nelson of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, and first reported by The Hill.
Mr. Trump has refused to release his tax returns, as presidential candidates customarily do, citing the ongoing audits as the reason.
Political opponents such as 2012 nominee Mitt Romney, himself a successful businessman, have suggested that Mr. Trump might be hiding a “bombshell” in those returns and possibly even lying about being audited. The IRS itself has said a person being audited has no legal-ethical obligation not to disclose information under audit.
The issue came up again earlier this week at a town-hall meeting, and Mr. Trump brushed off the question, saying he’d present proof of the audit soon.
The letter from Ms. Dillon and Mr. Nelson said the IRS audits from 2002 to 2008 were completed without “assessment or payment, on a net basis, of any deficiency.”
However the IRS examinations “for the 2009 year and forward are ongoing,” the letter continued.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.
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