Andrew Gillum releases tax returns, calls on Ron DeSantis to do the same Gillum's received refunds of $7,000 in 2015 and $9,000 in 2016 - reports $43,000 in charitable contributions

James Call | Tallahassee Democrat

Show Caption Hide Caption Andrew Gillum casts his vote Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum casts his vote and talks about his chances for election on Tuesday.

The Democratic nominee for governor, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, released his federal income tax returns Friday for 2015 and 2016.

Gillum filed joint returns with spouse R.J. and the two reported a combined income of $480,000 for the two years. His spokeswoman immediately called on Republican nominee Ron DeSantis to follow suit.

“Mayor Gillum took an important step in being transparent and open with Floridians by releasing his tax returns and now, it’s time for Ron DeSantis to do the same,”," said Communications Director Johanna Cervone. “Floridians deserve transparency, honesty and integrity from their next governor, which is exactly what Andrew Gillum has done as Mayor and what he’ll do as Governor."

The Gillums reported income of $249,617 in 2015 and $231,076 in 2016. It is unclear where the money came, the couple’s W-2 forms were not included in the release.

Gillum reported income of $79,176 as Mayor of Tallahassee and another $71,680 from P&P Communications in 2017 on his financial disclosure form he filed as a gubernatorial candidate.

R.J. Gillum listed her occupation as a management analyst on the federal tax forms.

The Gillums, who have three children, reported an income of $249,617 in 2015, claimed $65,587 in deductions and exemptions and paid $37,403 in federal income taxes.

Their joint income dropped in 2016 to $231,076. They claimed $61,947 in deductions and exemptions and paid $33,142 in taxes.

DeSantis did not immediately respond when asked if he would release his returns. DeSantis listed income of $201,500 for 2017 on his financial disclosure form from his position as a U.S. Congressman and rental income.

Reporter James Call can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com.