A North Carolina state legislator wants everyone to enjoy the benefits of paying taxes late without penalty, a la Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, reports The News & Observer of Raleigh:
Rep. Jerry Dockham, a Davidson County Republican, has filed the Geithner Tax Fairness for N.C. Citizens Act, named for the Treasury secretary.
During his confirmation hearings, Geithner revealed that he had failed to pay $34,000 in back taxes. He paid the Internal Revenue Service the taxes and interest; but was not fined.
Dockham's bill would allow North Carolinians who owe $50,000 or less in back taxes on their state income tax to also avoid a penalty fine.
"If he got that benefit, I think the average citizen should get the same courtesy," Dockham said.