State Sen. Eric Stewart was hit with federal tax liens twice in the past decade for not paying his federal and personal business taxes on time.
The revelation comes as Stewart is fighting U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais for his seat in Congress. The 16-county race in the 4th Congressional District will be decided in November.
The first IRS lien against Stewart, which has been paid, was filed in 2002. It was for $9,541 for personal taxes in 2000 and 2001.
The second IRS lien, which remains on the books, was filed in 2011. It is for $15,227 for payroll taxes involving his insurance agency that reportedly took place in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2006.
Stewart says he is working to fulfill his tax obligation.
“The first one has been paid,” said Stewart. “The second one I am working to pay and I’m doing so in monthly installments. The taxes will be paid in full, along with all penalties and interest.”
Stewart says his financial problems show he is like many working families in the 4th District.
“I’m not immune to hard times like a lot of families in this district,” said Stewart. “I fell on hard times, but I’m making it right. If folks want to put a rich man in Congress, they are probably not going to elect me.”
Stewart, who is from Franklin County, is serving the final months of his first term in the Tennessee Senate. Instead of seeking re-election, he opted to run for Congress.
Stewart says his financial troubles are being used by the DesJarlais camp to sidestep the real issues of the campaign.
“This tactic only distracts voters from the issues that are most important to working families, which are Social Security, Medicare, jobs and the economy,” Stewart said.
The DesJarlais campaign responded by saying Stewart’s handling of his own finances shows he should not be making decisions regarding taxpayer dollars.