The Maryland Democratic Senate nominee improperly used tax breaks she was ineligible to claim, including a government benefit intended for low-income seniors.
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, 53, who is in a tight race against former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan for an open seat in the upper chamber, saved thousands of dollars on two properties she owned in Washington, D.C., and in Maryland as a result of the tax breaks, CNN first reported.
The outlet’s review of her property records shows that for both properties she claimed for over a decade a homestead tax exemption that is meant to apply only to someone’s primary residence, violating state and local tax relief requirements.
Additionally, she wrongly claimed a senior’s tax break on the property she owns in Washington, allowing for her tax expenses to be cut by 50%.
While Ms. Alsobrooks was not eligible for that tax break, her grandparents, who owned the property before she took ownership, more than likely were.
Senior campaign adviser Connor Lounsbury told CNN Ms. Alsobrooks was not aware of the issue and her lawyers are working with officials in Washington and Prince George’s County, Maryland, to come to a resolution.
“She was unaware of any tax credits attached to that property and has reached out to the District of Columbia to resolve the issue and make any necessary payment,” he said.
Mr. Lounsbury noted that after her grandmother moved out of the home in Northeast Washington, Ms. Alsobrooks paid the mortgage on the property until it was sold in 2018.
The Hogan campaign, however, told The Washington Times in a statement that it is “deeply disturbing that Angela Alsobrooks thinks the rules don’t apply to her.”
“She campaigns on raising taxes while failing to pay her own and taking advantage of tax credits reserved for the poor and elderly. She claims to be unaware of tax laws it was her job to enforce,” the campaign said. “Governor Hogan has always stood up for taxpayers and in the Senate he will continue to fight for fairness and fiscal responsibility.”
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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