Another Congressman May Lose Tax Break

Maryland officials are considering revoking a property tax exemption for a California congressman, a member of a House tax-writing committee who says his principal residence is in Maryland.

C. John Sullivan Jr., director of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, confirmed yesterday that officials are examining the property tax bill of Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.), who claimed his Anne Arundel County home as his principal residence and until recently was able to have his property taxes reduced. But under recent changes in Maryland law, homeowners can claim a “homestead exemption” only if they hold a Maryland driver’s license or state identification card and pay state income taxes.

Read more: (Miranda S. Spivack, “Another Congressman May Lose Tax Break,” The Washington Post, 3/20/09)