Rove Not Entitled to D.C. Homestead Deduction

Bush Adviser to Reimburse City for Back Taxes

By Lori Montgomery

Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 3, 2005; Page A02

Presidential adviser Karl Rove may live in Washington. But in his heart -- and for voting purposes -- he remains a Texan. Which means he is not legally entitled to the homestead deduction and property tax cap he's been getting on his Palisades home for the past 3 1/2 years.

This week, the D.C. tax collector was alerted to the problem. And Rove agreed to reimburse the District for an estimated $3,400 in back taxes, city officials said. But now some Lone Star officials also are wondering about the place Rove calls home.