“Thousands of Americans have serious federal tax challenges," Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry wrote in a message to the press. "I, too, have them and everybody knows that."
The Washington Times reported that the IRS filed notice of a federal tax lien against the former mayor for $3,200 in unpaid 2010 income taxes.
Although Barry has a history of trouble with the IRS, he sits on the District's Committee on Finance and Revenue. In 2006 admitted in court that he had not paid thousands in income taxes for several years, and entered into a repayment plan with penalties.
Barry's office, in an email with the subject line "Councilmember Barry Continuing to Irradiate Federal Tax Liability," says the new lien is related to those old tax issues, and that miscommunication between his accountant and the IRS has slowed his repayment.
"It does not good for the media to sensationalize this situation and beat me up," Barry said, "as I have been using the processes established by the IRS to resolve this matter."
If you want to read more of Barry's thoughts on the matter, check out his Twitter page here.
