Two More Executives Withdraw From Possible Presidential Appointments Because of the Complexities of Tax Compliance
Two More Executives Withdraw From Possible Presidential Appointments Because of the Complexities of Tax Compliance
Washington: Tom Daschle withdrew Tuesday, February 3, 2009 as President Barack Obama’s nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, citing that questions swirling around his tax troubles were too distracting for him to be the best person to help Obama overhaul health care.
Daschle paid $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest on Jan. 2, on income from 2005, 2006 and 2007. He had been scheduled for a confirmation hearing Feb. 10 before the Finance panel.
“I accept his decision with sadness and regret,” President Obama said in a written statement accepting Daschle’s request to be removed from consideration.
Washington February 3, 2009: Nancy Killefer also withdrew her nomination for chief performance officer in the face of questions about income and employment tax problems.
Nancy Killefer, President Obama’s pick to be the “Chief Performance Officer” to oversee government efficiency, has officially withdrawn her nomination due to both income tax and employment tax problems.
According to the Associated Press (Updated: 02/03/2009 08:33:14 AM PST)
Nancy Killefer, who failed for a year and a half to pay employment taxes on household help, has withdrawn her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government, the White House said Tuesday.
She stated she didn’t want her problem with payroll taxes on her household help to be a distraction. There was a tax lien owed for $949.69 by Killefer filed on March 7, 2005.
Her letter to President Obama, withdrawing her nomination, was short and to the point:
February 3, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
I recognize that your agenda and the duties facing your Chief Performance Officer are urgent. I have also come to realize in the current environment that my personal tax issue of D.C. Unemployment tax could be used to create exactly the kind of distraction and delay those duties must avoid. Because of this I must reluctantly ask you to withdraw my name from consideration.
I am deeply honored to have been selected by you and you have my deep appreciation for your confidence in me. You have my heartfelt support and best wishes for success in all your endeavors.
Respectfully yours,
Nancy Killefer
Last week the Treasury Secretary was in the employment tax spotlight
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner also acknowledges $34,000 in underpayment of income and self employment taxes, required by independent contractors, during his confirmation hearing last week, but he was confirmed by the Senate anyway.
Compliance with the tax laws is not a job for a weekend warrior
Don’t make the mistake of relying on a “weekend warrior” to watch your compliance with IC compliance and employment tax laws. Staying in compliance requires someone who devotes full time and stays current with the latest changes.
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