Dear friends over the pond, do you believe Sarah Palin's expenses for herself and her family appear to be a bit dodgy? Do you think she's entitled to charge the state $60 for a phone call from the comfort of her own home? Or to be reimbursed for her children's travel because she is blessed with a big, loving family and wants to spend time with them? Do you consider her children to be state officials, conducting state business on these trips?
No?
Would you like some tax experts to have a good look at all her expenses claims since she took office? Tim Petumenos, on behalf Personnel Board, did go through forty out of seventy-two of Sarah Palin's claims and found that in only nine instances the children were not really serving the interests of the state of Alaska. Have they been appointed by the governor to perform specific state duties? Maybe Mr Petumenos is not as knowledgeable as the guys from the IRS and decided to cut a deal and put the matter to bed because he was out of his depth and it would be too much hard work to take it any further, who knows?
The press release from the Governor's office regarding this matter is quite interesting, here is a fine justification offered by Sarah Palin:
“This is a big state, and I am obligated to — and intend to — keep Alaskans informed and meet with them as much as I can, from Barrow to Marshall to Ketchikan,” Palin said in a written statement. “At the same time, I am blessed to have a large and loving family, and the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
So they're not state officials, they're just loving children? The state has to pay for travel so they can be together? Something is not right...
To find out exactly what is legitimate and what isn't, once and for all, ask the experts!
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888 If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Please include the following information, if available:
- Name and address of the person you are reporting.
- The taxpayer identification number social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business. (Not known)
- A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information. (Describe the best way you can)
- The years involved. (From December 2006)
- The estimated dollar amount of any unreported income. (In excess of $22,000)
Simple, uh? If a lot of people do it, they're bound to take an interest. Go on... do it. The worst that could happen is for the IRS to agree with Sarah Palin and decide that it's OK for people to charge their employers for their children's travel so they can perform their duties and have their large, loving, blessed families with them, everywhere. Hey, that would be good news for working parents!
Changing the subject a little bit, the Palin children must have an abysmal school attendance record, don't you think?
To go to the IRS page, click here.
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