The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee 'flubbed' his taxes

By Ed Lasky

The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, New York Congressman Charles Rangel has earned rental income from properties he owns in a luxury resort development in the Dominican Republic, and has failed for twenty years to report any of this income on his federal tax returns.

Ironically, the House Ways and Means Committee is in charge of writing the federal tax code. He has sat on the Committee since 1975.

The Chairman has also improperly taken advantage of rent-controlled apartments in New York City and has used them to house his campaign staff.

These apartments in the Dominican Republic rent for $1100 or more per night during the high season.

The New York Times reports:

A lawyer for Mr. Rangel, Lanny Davis, said on Thursday that the congressman would most likely file amendments to his tax returns for the years in question.

Mr. Davis said Mr. Rangel's accountant believed he would most likely owe back taxes to the state and New York City.