Treasury Department choice marks Obama's fifth pick with a tax problem

[DearAbby]

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's choice for a top job with the Treasury Department is having tax problems.

A congressional report says Obama's nominee for undersecretary of the Treasury for international affairs, Lael Brainard, was late in paying real estate taxes in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The report by the Senate Finance Committee staff also challenges the accuracy of a deduction Brainard claimed for running an office from her home. The challenge led Brainard to reduce the deduction on her 2008 return.

More:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34021318/ns/politics/?ocid=twitter

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. My god.

What's next?

Moving violations?

So much for change, Mr. Obama.

[tabatha]

2. Was late?

But he still paid.

I can understand late.

[EnlightenedOne]

4. Yes, let's start the impeachment hearings right away

The amounts in question were relatively small. Brainard paid $121.75 in interest and $1,279.34 in penalties on late real estate tax payments, the report said.

But the committee's top Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is unhappy that the committee staff had to submit 10 sets of questions to Brainard before getting complete information about the late payments.

[elocs]

3. Well, he should get points for consistency. n/t