One More Congressman Snared by D.C. Tax Break

Posted by admin in DC Life on 03 31st, 2009 | no responses

A trickle seems to have turned into a small flood as another member of Congress has been found be exploiting a tax break meant for District residents who own a home. The Hill is reporting that Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) has tried to take advantage of the District’s homestead exemption, which offers District residents a deduction on the assessed value of D.C. homes and limits annual property tax increases. Last week Roll Call picked off four other members of the House doing the same ; in 2005, 22 senators were found

to be enjoying the tax break too . Fleming’s staff claim the tax exemption on his $825,000 Capitol Hill rowhouse is a mistake, but it has apparently already stirred up complaints back home that the freshman congressman has “gone Washington.” We’re still waiting to see if Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Ut.) gets busted trying to claim the exemption on what has famously become his D.C. home — a cot in his office. Props to him if he tries.