Tax-Troubled Rangel to Help Unveil Tax Preparation Program

U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel, who still faces an ethics inquiry into a host of tax problems, plans to put his face on a new program Tuesday meant to assist taxpayers in filing their 2008 returns.

The New York Democrat is joining the Wal-Mart Foundation and other organizations in announcing a Foundation grant to provide free tax preparation services.

A statement from the Wal-Mart Foundation claims the grant would help return millions in tax refunds to eligible taxpayers. Part of the money would go toward what the Foundation calls a free "mobile tax filing tour."

But Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said there's "more than a hint of irony" in Rangel's scheduled appearance.

"He's the poster child for needing tax help," she said.

Rangel is facing an ongoing ethics inquiry over his failure to pay thousands of dollars in taxes on rental income from a Dominican Republic vacation home; his renting of four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem; and other questionable activities.

Sloan said Rangel's appearance Tuesday is a little hard to understand since it only "highlights" his tax troubles.

Jason Lourie, with the Wal-Mart Foundation's public relations firm Edelman, said he's not sure exactly why Rangel was tapped to help unveil the program but confirmed that he would have a speaking role Tuesday.

Rangel is chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee and remains an influential voice on tax matters -- making him a logical choice to speak on behalf of tax assistance programs were it not for the ethics probe.

Click here to read more on Rangel's tax troubles.