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That Old Obama Administration Tax Problem

By Doug Bandow on 6.19.09 @ 8:09AM

Yet another Obama administration nominee has a tax problem.  Reports the New York Times:

President Obama's choice as chief of protocol for the State Department, a position that carries the status of an ambassadorship, did not file tax returns for 2005 and 2006, errors she corrected last November.

The nominee, Capricia Penavic Marshall, has placed blame for the problem on the Postal Service and on miscommunication between her husband and their accountant.

Ms. Marshall, who was the social secretary in the Clinton White House, notified the Obama administration about the late filings before she was nominated on May 14. She has since provided written answers to questions about the matter from Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana, the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, which will hold a hearing on the appointment next Wednesday. The post requires Senate confirmation.

Tax issues have bedeviled several high-level Obama appointees and cost the administration at least two of its picks.

Ms. Marshall may fare better because, after ultimately filing the 2005 and 2006 federal and local paperwork, she was entitled to $37,259 in refunds, according to data she provided to Mr. Lugar.

What makes this one different from the other cases is the fact that Marshall and her husband were owed substantial refunds.  Though it is curious that they didn't notice not receiving their refunds two years in  a row.

Oh well. It doesn't really matter since the job of those in the administration is to raise taxes.  It is the rest of us who are supposed to pay them.