Another Obama Appointee with Tax Problems

Ordinary Americans would get in trouble if they neglected to file tax returns in 2005 and 2006, but it almost seems as if disobeying tax laws is a prerequisite in the Obama Administration for getting nomined by a high-level government position. Unlike the Treasury Secretary, however, this latest nominee actually was owed a refund. It is understandable that this would preclude interest charges on unpaid tax, but it is curious that no penalties were assessed for failure to file. Would a regular taxpayer be treated so kindly? The New York Times has some of the details:

President Obama’s choice as chief of protocol for the State Department, a position that carries the status of an ambassadorship, did not file tax returns for 2005 and 2006, errors she corrected last November. The nominee, Capricia Penavic Marshall, has placed blame for the problem on the Postal Service and on miscommunication between her husband and their accountant. ...Tax issues have bedeviled several high-level Obama appointees and cost the administration at least two of its picks. Ms. Marshall may fare better because, after ultimately filing the 2005 and 2006 federal and local paperwork, she was entitled to $37,259 in refunds, according to data she provided to Mr. Lugar. ...No late fees or penalties were assessed when they later submitted the returns.