Adams Promises 'Tax Information' Release Amid Push For His Tax Returns

NEW YORK, NY — Whether New Yorkers will get a look at Mayor Eric Adams' full tax return has become as cryptic as, well, the tax code.

The mayor — who last week refused to commit to publicly releasing his tax returns, as is tradition — finally promised Tuesday he would release "tax information," but wouldn't say whether that means he'd follow suit of previous mayors and put out his full returns.

"Now, remember, I’m not required. Let's get that clear," Adams said when asked at an unrelated press conference on Staten Island. "We will release tax information."

"What is the information? Are you talking about your actual returns?" a reporter followed up.

"Listen, I’m going to release tax information," Adams replied. "I’m going to release tax information."

The vague commitment comes after watchdog groups criticized Adams' hesitancy as a question of transparency, according to reports.

Though not legally required, it is customary for top elected officials in New York to reveal income, real estate holdings, charitable donations and other information to the public by releasing tax returns, the New York Times notes. At least the past four New York City mayors — and just this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul — have done so, according to reports.

Should Adams release his full return, it won't be anytime soon. His office has said that the mayor filed for an extension on his taxes given his positive coronavirus diagnosis last week.

When asked for more details about what the mayor will release, a spokesperson referred Patch to his answers at Tuesday's press conference.

Adams' recent scuffles with reporters is not the first time his financial history has raised eyebrows.

Irregularities on Adams' tax filings fueled questions last year about whether the then-Democratic mayoral nominee even lived in New York City, leading Adams to give a bizarre tour of his Bed-Stuy apartment.

Adams also had to submit an amended return last year given a failure to report rental income, which he blamed on an accountant who had fallen on hard times.