Posted on 01/21/2009 11:04:44 AM PST by Fred
U.S. Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy Geithner apologized Wednesday to members of the Senate Finance Committee for tax errors he committed earlier this decade that came to light during his nomination process.
Mr. Geithner called the mistakes "careless" and "avoidable."
He told the panel he was sorry that his past transgressions were now an issue in his confirmation at a time of deepening economic crisis. He urged Congress to act quickly and forcefully to deal with the crisis. A top administration priority is to foster economic recovery and "get credit flowing again," Mr. Geithner testified.
As to his failure to pay the payroll taxes from 2001 to 2004 while he worked for the International Monetary Fund, Mr. Geithner said the errors were unintentional. "I should have been more careful," he said.
Mr. Geithner said he had used the tax-preparation software Turbo Tax for his returns, though he reiterated that any errors were his own responsibility.
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the senior Republican on the panel, noted that as Treasury secretary, Mr. Geithner would be in charge of the Internal Revenue Service. He suggested the danger of "sweeping the under the rug" Mr. Geithner's tax problems in a rush to get him confirmed.
"I have paid what I owed," Mr. Geithner said under grilling from Sen. Grassley. "I apologize to the committee for putting you in the position of having to spend so much time on these issues." Mr. Geithner recently paid more than $30,000 in back taxes. Obama's Cabinet
Sen. Grassley said he recognized that many in Congress view Mr. Geithner, who worked closely with the outgoing administration on financial bailouts as head of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, is "possibly the only man for the job of healing the recession before us and a very fractured economy."
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Time to create the ‘tax evader caucus’ on the hill. Geithner and Rangel can be the founding charter members.
I’ll have to try that nest time I “forget” to pay my taxes...maybe they won’t put me in solitary
Geitner intentionally evaded paying taxes, even after being reminded.
He belongs in jail, as this is what would happen to anyone else caught doing the same thing.
Apologize, admit that it was an intentional tax dodge, and go away.
Perfunctory Democrat bullshit when caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Like a child, they robotically mouth the words of remorse and attonement in a monotonic voice - then off to happily play and continue their mischieviousness - with the prior events a distant memory.
Anyone who ever has an overdue notice arrive from the IRS should just wait a few years, and then send a verbatim copy of his apology in a letter.
I’m sure they will understand.
I just caught part of the hearing and Kyl was hammering him.
This isn’t some stupid “innocent mistake.”
Why are so many GOP Senators pushing this guy?????
I'll accept his apology after he's served 18 months in jail and paid a $250,000 fine on top of his back taxes, penalties and interest.
It’s like the old Steve martin routine “how to be a Millionaire and not pay taxes.”
You.. can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You say.. “Steve.. how can I be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes?” First.. get a million dollars. Now.. you say, “Steve.. what do I say to the tax man when he comes to my door and says, ‘You.. have never paid taxes’?” Two simple words. Two simple words in the English language: “I forgot!” How many times do we let ourselves get into terrible situations because we don’t say “I forgot”? Let’s say you’re on trial for armed robbery. You say to the judge, “I forgot armed robbery was illegal.” Let’s suppose he says back to you, “You have committed a foul crime. you have stolen hundreds and thousands of dollars from people at random, and you say, ‘I forgot’?” Two simple words: Excuuuuuse me!!”
What would happen to a CPA, CFP or Attorney did this, if I am not mistaken, they loose their credentials and the way to make a living.
He is IMHO disqualified....
Is this before or after they have you lashed over a table with a heavy duty rectal scope stuck up your ass?
These apologies are meaningless.
I cant pay my taxes this year. Im sorry.
Obama’s plan to cut taxes - either file a false return or fail to file.
Ok, great....you’re confirmed.
According to Larry Kudlow, the so called supply siders in the GOP are concerned that Obambi will appoint some hardcore left winger instead of the current appointee (Geithner - the waterboy for Rueben and the Clintons)
I just figured if I apolized real nice, it would maybe keep me out of solitary. But yes, you and I would be in jail, not getting a cushy gubmint yob.
Geithner Apologizes Over Taxes......
He should apologize...there are too may taxes, the taxes are too high and the paperwork for filing is a clusterf#$k......that said, he should be in Leavenworth..
I’ve used TurboTax for years, and I’ve NEVER had a screwup like this one. The only way to get this past TurboTax is to LIE to it, enter FALSE data.
This guy is a crook, pure and simple. And, NO ONE can convince me that he is the ONLY person who can fix the economy. Bull Puckey!
With many more picks like this, 0bamaRamaLamaDingDong can hold his cabinet meetings at the nearest Federal Prison.
Sheesh! And, they expect us to ignore it all...
WRONG!
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