Al Franken Admits $50,000 Tax Debt

NewsMax ^ | 2009-02-06 | Ronald Kessler

[rabscuttle385]

Overlooked in coverage of Tim Geithner’s and Tom Daschle’s unpaid taxes is the $70,000 that Minnesota Democratic senatorial candidate Al Franken has admitted to owing in back taxes, interest, and penalties.

Last April, the California Tax Franchise Board revealed that Franken owed the state $5,800 in taxes, fines, and penalties because he did not file returns in 2003 through 2007. Franken then admitted that he owed more than $50,000 in back taxes to 17 states.

Franken blamed everything on his accountant of 18 years, saying he failed to report the income from the comedian’s celebrity appearances and speeches in those states where he made money outside of Minnesota and New York, where he lives. Franken claimed he overpaid taxes in those two states and will file for refunds.

But the accountant, Allen Chanzis, has not verified Franken’s account. In fact, he has said he was told not to talk to the press. Nor has Franken released any documentation to show that he overpaid taxes in two states.

“I’ve been told to say ‘no comment,’” the accountant told reporters.

[Chode]

and the RATS, take another one in the..............................HA ha!!!

[Blood of Tyrants]

If you are paid for an appearance and that state has an income tax, you have to pay state income taxes on the amount you received. Pro athletes have to do it for each game they play. It’s one of the reasons they like to play in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. No state income taxes means they get to keep more.

[luvie]

Why is this not a major news story?

You're kidding...right?? LOL!

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Perfect rich Democrat.

[RetiredArmy]

Where-ever these people “work” they have to pay taxes. Sports players have to pay taxes for each state they play games in. AROD pays taxes in every American league city & state that the Yankess play in. So, lots of states get his tax money for the games he is there.

[angelcindy]

DANG WHAT DEMORAT DOESNT OWE TAXES...LOLOL and the best part if they weren’t nominated or elected for anything they would still be a crook and keep on lying..

[Auntie Dem]

What's clear about Franken's statement is that it is a lie. Franken claims his accountant told him he didn't need to file in those 17 other states. Yet his accountant's firm specializes in Franken's type of taxpayers.

What further strains credulity is that his accountant has done his taxes for the last 18 years, and only the last 4 years were wrong? Not a chance. Frankenstein is flat-out lying. He's your typical tax-dodging democrat.

[Rummyfan]

Another Democratic tax cheat!!!!!

[mrs tiggywinkle]

I never thought of that - thanks for the info.

I’m just a simple woman living a simple life who works in one state.

[lainie]

Oh, I have no doubt. He’s a dumba$$ and a liar for sure. It’s just not breaking news.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I wouldn’t know it either if the ‘Rats hadn’t tried to force an income tax down the throats of us Tennesseans a few years ago.

[NavVet]

He’s just bucking for a Cabinet Job.

[popdonnelly]

I didn’t know the guy made any money.

[Pride in the USA]

ping

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

That’s the perfect idea. He’s qualified because he’s cheated on his taxes and that would free up Coleman to be the senator.

[musicman]

"Face it America. Tax cheat = Democrat politician or 0bama cabinet post but the sheeple couldn’t care as long as attending the BBQ is free."

[Spunky]

"Franken blamed everything on his accountant of 18 years, saying he failed to report the income from the comedian’s celebrity appearances and speeches in those states where he made money outside of Minnesota and New York, where he lives."

I just heard on the news that you are responsible for any errors even if you have a tax accountant do it.

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Hey, didn’t Obama say we have 57 states? Franken has a few more to rip off.

Ah, Pelosi really did clean up the swamp of corruption. Moved it from California to Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and DC. ALL DEMOCRATS.

Thanks, Nancy, a job well done. Maybe we should rename you “Typhoid Pelosi”. BITCH!

[Spunky]

"Franken blamed everything on his accountant of 18 years, saying he failed to report the income from the comedian’s celebrity appearances and speeches in those states where he made money outside of Minnesota and New York, where he lives."

I just heard on the news that you are responsible for any errors even if you have a tax accountant do it.

[rtbwood]

WHY? Because he’s a DEMOCRAT, that’s why.