Donald Trump’s claim that he’s been subjected to a dozen years of IRS audits isn’t unusual for a billionaire businessman, but his claim that it’s preventing him from releasing his tax returns sure is.

The mogul has been under increased pressure to cough up his returns but has repeatedly demurred in recent weeks, offering up vague explanations about why it’s not feasible for him to do so.

…

Stanford law professor Joseph Bankman said it’s not so odd for a man of Trump’s wealth to be subjected to repeated audits. “A lot of super wealthy individuals, and all large companies, are audited every year,” Bankman said Thursday night.

But he said Trump’s statement that he “can’t” publicly release his returns is a headscratcher.

“I’m not sure why that prevents him from releasing his returns. They are his to release,” Bankman said.