The article is totally inaccurate. To begin with, it was Palin herself who asked the state admin. dept. to look into whether or not per diem is taxable. They determined YESTERDAY that it was. The state will need to produce amended W-2’s or 1099’s for the governor so that she can file an amended return for 2007. Since her “employer” did not include the sum on her original W-2 or 1099, there is no penalty or interest owed. Most of Palin’s per diem was paid in 2008, though, and taxes aren’t even due yet on that.
On another point, Palin received around $17,000 per diem over 2 years to stay in her home rather than the mansion in Juneau. As a result, most of the staff at the mansion were no longer needed, including the governor’s chef who earned $50,000 a year. Hmmmm.......$8,500 or $50,000? I think she saved the state quite a bit of money by living at home.
Did you post those facts in the Washington Compost Heap?