Mass. Auditor Candidate Claims Two Tax Exemptions

Democratic auditor candidate Suzanne Bump says assessors have told her she is allowed to claim tax exemptions both in Great Barrington and Boston.

Nonetheless, she says she's going to pay nearly $6,000 to Boston after a report in The Boston Globe questioned the propriety of the twin tax breaks.

In a statement Thursday, Bump said she is asking both the Berkshires community where she claims a primary residence, and Boston where she claims a principle residence, to review her tax status.

It they find she has been allowed to claim both exemptions, Bump said she'll ask Boston to repay her the $5,875 payment.

A spokesman for the state Revenue Department says taxpayers cannot take a property tax break in two different communities.