Call the APD: Sutherlands steal funds from police, fire and schools?

[POST UPDATE: The amount of tax evaded by Stuart Sutherland's fraudulent filing to receive a homestead exemption on more than one property for each of the years between 2005 and 2011 totals $1,614.55.  Per Georgia Code, the Sutherlands currently owe $3,229.10 (twice the amount of the tax evaded) to the Fulton County Tax Commissioner]

Fulton County and City of Atlanta property taxes are a vital source of funding for a multitude of services provided by local government. They fund the police and fire departments, local schools, parks and recreation, county and city government administration, courts, and the list goes on. And despite the fact that many Atlanta taxpayers feel that property taxes are excessive, everyone understands the important role they play in keeping our community safe, healthy and vibrant.

Of course, most taxpayers can get a small break (about 9.5%) on their property tax bill if they qualify for the homestead exemption. Basically, If you own your own home, it’s your primary residence, your drivers’ license was issued in Fulton County and if your vehicle tag was likewise obtained in Fulton County, you qualify.

Like all tax deductions, the homestead exemption does come with a few rules – one of which is that you can only claim a homestead exemption on one property. (Continued...)
That is true if you are single or if you are a married couple. The County Board of Assessors makes it pretty clear:

“The home must be your legal residence for all purposes including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your income tax. You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land or on more than one property.”

Source: Fulton County

Surely, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia would be well aware of the requirements for claiming the homestead tax exemption. That’s why the Blog was surprised to learn that M. Stuart Sutherland, an Atlanta attorney and GIL homeowner and his wife, Mary ‘Kit’ Sutherland have been receiving a homestead exemption on two properties – basically committing property tax fraud – just to save a paltry $41.12. Perhaps they thought no one would notice? Maybe it’s the result of arrogance run amok? We can only speculate as to the reason(s) why the Sutherlands would so blatantly violate the law for such an insignificant financial gain.  But we can safely assume one thing: as an attorney, Stuart Sutherland was aware of the legal requirements for claiming the homestead exemption and simply chose to ignore the requirements of the law.

Perhaps the next time Kit Sutherland goes to pick up the phone to send members of Atlanta’s finest on her latest delusional ‘security breach’ goose chase, she might want to return the $42.12 that the she and her husband arrogantly and greedily snatched from the  pockets of their uniforms when they decided to dabble in the ignoble enterprise of low-grade tax fraud, just to save a buck

Or, they could pay the penalty prescribed by law for such violations – that is, they could refund double the amount of money that they defrauded the County of and forgo all future homestead exemptions on any property. 

The 2011 Fulton County and City of Atlanta property tax bills evidencing their 'double dip' homestead exemption are included, below.

660 Glen Iris Dr, NE Unit 409 - Parcel ID 1400048-0034-030-2
2011 Tax Bill for 660 Glen Iris Dr 409 - Sutherland

 660 Glen Iris Dr, NE Unit 408 - Parcel ID 14-0048-0034-004-7
2011 Tax Bill for 660 Glen Iris Dr 408 - Sutherland

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