Consider this: a guy has repeatedly filed tax returns with improper deductions for entertainment, gifts, and meals. For three years, he’s had to file amended returns to reflect his mistaken deductions, plus owe penalties and interest to the IRS.
What’s the right job for this gentleman? According to President Bush, it’s a coveted spot on the U.S. Tax Court.
I’m afraid this isn’t a joke. Bush has nominated Glen Bower, a former director of the Illinois Department of Revenue, to be a judge on the U.S. Tax Court despite repeated filings with unlawful deductions in 1999, 2000, and 2001.
I think Carpetbagger regular Chief Osceola put it best when he said, “It’s like the Bushies are trying to get bad judges in there. A tax court judge who cheats on his taxes? Come on.”
Come on, indeed.
Bower, once nominated for the Tax Court, had to provide the Senate Finance Committee with recent tax returns. When the committee discovered thousands of dollars in improperly deducted expenses, they requested that Bower submit amended returns. So Bower sent “fixed” returns and the committee discovered more improper deductions.
Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), the ranking Dem on the Senate Finance Committee, said the improper deductions raise questions about Bower’s “suitability to be a competent U.S. Tax Court judge.”
“American taxpayers need to know that the Tax Court judge who sits in judgment of them is himself compliant with the laws,” Baucus said. “Mr. Bower’s conduct evidences a belief that the American taxpayer should reimburse him for his personal expenses. He is wrong.”
Committee Republicans, at least for the time being, are standing behind Bower’s nomination. I have a hunch, however, that Bower shouldn’t be looking for housing in DC just yet.