Tax issues raised about trade nominee Kirk

WASHINGTON, March 2 (UPI) -- Tax issues are dogging another of President Barack Obama's nominees, Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, tapped as U.S. trade representative.

Kirk owes about $9,975, a Senate finance panel report indicates.

The review of Kirk's tax returns was conducted after questions were raised about honoraria he received as well as some misfiled income, a Senate Finance Committee memorandum filed Monday indicated.

Kirk has agreed to file amended tax returns reflecting adjustment for tax years 2005, 2006 and 2007, after the review found discrepancies about the appropriate place on the IRS 1040 form for some income and deductions Kirk reported, the memo said.

He is the latest nominee against whom tax questions were raised. Health and human services secretary-designate Tom Daschle withdrew from consideration after revealing he had to pay more than $140,000 in back taxes and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service. Tax issues also forced Nancy Killefer to withdraw from consideration to be the first U.S. chief performance officer. Tim Geithner, who was confirmed as treasury secretary, also was found owing taxes.

"Mayor Kirk is the right person for this job and I will work to move his nomination quickly. I am confident he can successfully restore the confidence of Congress and the American people in a balanced international trade agenda," committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., said in a statement. "I look forward to his testimony before the Finance Committee next week."