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Geithner Sorry, Blames TurboTax

Treasury nominee, at confirmation hearings, apologizes for tax missteps

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2009 10:50 AM CST

(Newser) – Timothy Geithner apologized for failing to pay $34,000 in taxes today in his Senate confirmation hearing. “I should have been more careful,” the would-be Treasury secretary said, calling them careless, avoidable mistakes. When asked how he prepared the taxes he replied, “I will answer that, but I want to say I take full responsibility... It was TurboTax.” But senators aren’t likely to derail Geithner’s nomination over the snafu, the Wall Street Journal reports, for fear of economic backlash.

Geithner is also expected to face hard questions on his role in the Bush Administration’s widely-panned financial rescue efforts. But he began his testimony by advocating such bold moves. “In a crisis of this magnitude, the most prudent course is the most forceful course,” he said. “If our policy response is tentative and incrementalist, we risk greater damage … to the fabric of our financial system.”

Rahm Emanuel and Tim Geithner talk before the start of a luncheon with President Barack Obama at Statuary Hall in the US Capitol yesterday.
Rahm Emanuel and Tim Geithner talk before the start of a luncheon with President Barack Obama at Statuary Hall in the US Capitol yesterday.   (Pool Photo)
In this Nov. 24, 2008, file photo, Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner listens as President-elect Barack Obama speaks during a news conference in Chicago.
In this Nov. 24, 2008, file photo, Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner listens as President-elect Barack Obama speaks during a news conference in Chicago.   (AP Photo)
Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy Geithner, center, arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the US Capitol in Washington yesterday.
Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy Geithner, center, arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden at the US Capitol in Washington yesterday.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mad
Jan 21, 2009 9:48 PM CST
I wish you'd learn to read: When asked how he prepared the taxes he replied, “I will answer that, but I want to say I take full responsibility... It was TurboTax.” --- What BIG WORDS confused you this time?
Newser001
Jan 21, 2009 7:26 PM CST
Treasury secretary uses Turbo-Tax...? That's his lame excuse - BS! You've got to be joking...?
Guest
Jan 20, 2009 10:59 PM CST
i NEED ME SOME TURBOTAX

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