How to Read Financial Disclosures

Financial disclosures — also called statements of economic interest — are forms that public officials file to report their personal financial information. Here's how to read them and what to look for.

What's in a disclosure?

Most state disclosures include some combination of:

• Income sources — employers, clients, business income
• Real estate — property owned or leased
• Stocks and investments — securities, mutual funds, retirement accounts
• Business interests — ownership stakes, board memberships
• Liabilities — debts, loans, mortgages
• Gifts — gifts received above a threshold

What to look for

• Potential conflicts of interest between financial interests and official duties
• Changes year over year in an official's financial picture
• Undisclosed business relationships
• Late or missing filings