Members struggle with homestead deduction

Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) is the latest member of Congress to be swept up in the confusing world of the District of Columbia’s homestead tax break, opening him to charges he has “gone Washington” just months into his first term.

But Fleming’s office insists the freshman Republican has no intention of taking advantage of the tax status that could save him hundreds of dollars a year. Instead, they say, his home in Louisiana remains his primary residence.

{mosads}Fleming purchased a Washington townhouse close to the Capitol which, according to District of Columbia tax records, he now claims as his primary residence. According to Fleming’s office and his attorney, the tax records reflect the previous owner’s tax status, not his own.

Given the junior Republican’s statements during the campaign, that is an important distinction he will make.

“I believe it is critical to elect a congressman who will live in the District, as I will, as an actual resident and not just a legal resident so voters have a chance to see and speak directly with their congressman,” Fleming said after qualifying for the ballot last year.

“Congressman Fleming’s Louisiana home is his primary residence. He does have a place, which he uses when he is required to be at the Capitol for votes and legislative business, but it is a secondary residence,” said spokeswoman Amy Jones. “Congressman Fleming has not applied for homestead exemption in the District of Columbia, nor will he.”

“His primary residence, his homestead exemption, his voter registration and his driver’s license are and will remain in Webster Parish in the state of Louisiana,” Jones added.

Just two months after taking office, Fleming finalized the purchase of an $825,000 townhouse about two blocks from the House office buildings, according to D.C. tax records.

The freshman Republican is one of a number of members of Congress who have come under fire recently for calling their Washington residences their primary domiciles. Accepting the D.C. Homestead Deduction allows homeowners to reduce their home’s assessed value by $67,500 for an annual savings of about $573.

Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.), Steve King (R-Iowa) and Tom Petri (R-Wis.) all paid back taxes after Washington officials reviewed their tax records, following inquiries from <em>Roll Call.</em> Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) has also had to repay money after a D.C. error allowed him to claim the exemption.

In 2005, District tax officials said a computer error had given the tax breaks to 22 senators, according to a <em>Washington Post</em> report.

Other members have run into trouble for accepting tax breaks for homes they own around the Washington area. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) has tried to claim a tax credit on a Potomac, Md., home, while Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) received tax breaks for calling his Anne Arundel County, Md., home his primary residence.

To receive the exemption, the District’s tax code stipulates the home must be the primary residence of the taxpayer who applies. An exemption only falls off tax records after a half-year period, which expires Tuesday night, ends.

Fleming narrowly beat Caddo Parish District Attorney Paul Carmouche (D) in a December runoff to replace ex-Rep. Jim McCrery (R).