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-Lurid Crime Tales-
Bronx pol gets Maryland state tax break
2009-03-15
Another opportunity to play, "Name That Party!" ...
WASHINGTON - Maryland officials have yanked a tax credit from Bronx Rep. Eliot Engel, who has avoided thousands in taxes on his nearly $1 million home there by improperly claiming it as his primary residence. The officials told Engel he doesn't qualify for the homestead exemption, a tax credit only state residents can apply for, because he and his wife Patricia's primary residence is in The Bronx.

Last year, The Post reported that Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel was getting the homestead exemption in DC from 1995 to 2000 - even though his primary residence was in New York, where he had four rent-controlled apartments.

Engel had enjoyed the tax credit since 2005, garnering a discount on his taxes in three consecutive years even as the value of his property in Potomac, one of DC's most affluent suburbs, nearly doubled. Engel got the credit in 2005 after his wife applied for it, according to state tax officials.

When her application for the credit was initially rejected, Patricia Engel filed again, claiming Maryland as her primary residence by submitting a copy of her state tax return, which she filed individually, as evidence. She then was approved - even though each Engel votes in New York and has an Empire State driver's license.
In a just world this would be sufficient for a felony conviction for fraud ...
The names of both Engels appear on property records for the Maryland home.

The credits saved the couple more than $5,000 over three years. The credit puts a cap of up to 10 percent on the amount of a home's increased value that can be taxed each year. To receive it, homeowners must live in Maryland for at least half the year, have a Maryland driver's license and vote in the state.

For the 2008 tax year, the state has denied Engel the credit.

Engel rents an apartment in The Bronx and has claimed to be a lifelong resident of the borough.

State officials say Engel won't be required to pay back any savings accumulated over past years because the family's homestead exemption was approved - even if erroneously. "We approved it, and we therefore accept it," said Robert Young, associate director of Maryland's Tax Department.
Even though the Engels committed fraud to get it. Boggle ...
"I have always abided by whatever determination the Montgomery County Assessment Office makes," Engel said in a statement. "I have never asked for any special privileges for being a congressman."
And his lips stayed on. That's how you know he's a 'pro' ...
Maryland officials say that it's unusual for a couple to get the tax credit when only one of them applies for the exemption but that there is precedent.

In 2007, the state toughened its rules for receiving the homestead credit. It requires applicants to state whether they have a Maryland driver's license and where they vote.

New York and federal laws require only that members of Congress be residents of the states they represent when they are elected. New York Board of Elections spokesman John Conklin said the state does not check whether officials are residents. "If an outside person or citizen believes somebody doesn't meet the qualifications, they can bring actions to court or the legislative body where the official serves," Conklin said.
Excuse me folks, but the Constitution requires that a Congress critter be elected from the state of his/her residency. You could look it up. Article I, Section 2.
Kathleen Hayes, a teacher who lives in Engel's Bronx district, said she was less concerned about where he lived than whether he was unfairly getting tax breaks. "He's an individual as well as a congressman, and if he's not paying his share, that means others are paying more," Hayes said. "That would be a problem for me."
And he's being two-faced about where he lives. Wonder if there is an intrepid reporter who might want to start going through other state documents in Maryland and New York to see what Engel is claiming.
Posted by:Steve White

#2  Why do they dance around the thought? Just come out and say: "Only Republicans should pay taxes." It's clear that none of the demoncrats have or will.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge   2009-03-15 01:59  

#1  "Another opportunity to play, "Name That Party!" ..."

I'll play, Steve!

Does it start with a "D"?
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut   2009-03-15 00:12  

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