N.Y. Daily News: Rangel Pays $10,800 In Back Taxes

The New York Daily News is reporting that embattled Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, sent six checks worth $10,800 on Thursday night to the IRS and New York State to cover unpaid back taxes on a vacation home in the Dominican Republic.

Rangel failed to pay income tax on $75,000 in income from the vacation home or report it on his federal annual disclosure form. The House ethics committee is expected to begin a formal probe of the veteran New York Democrat next week over this issue, as well as two other ethical problems. Rangel has denied any wrongdoing, although paying back taxes before the investigation has even begun signals another attempt by Rangel to defuse the crisis.

"The checks cover three years owed by Rangel, who vows to fight what he calls 'partisan' attack over his personal income woes," the Daily News said.