SEAN PATRICK MALONEY 1529 Lowowonm House BUILDING
DC 20515

18111 DISTRICT NEW YORK [202} 2255441
ON AGRICULTURE GRAND ST 
ewaunon 1
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION 345 561 1259
AND INFRASTRUCTURE   a 

5901152 of Representatives
Washington, EQ 20515?3218

October 18, 2016

Clifton C. Seagroves

Assistant Director for Diplomatic
Property, Tax, Services, and Bene?ts

US. Department of State

600 19th St NW

Washington, DC 20431

Dear Director Seagroves:

I write in regards to the tax exempt status of several parcels of land in Somers and Yorktown currently
owned by the Government of the People?s Republic of Angola.

It has recently been brought to my attention that the People?s Republic of Angola has been claiming tax
exempt status on nine pieces of land totaling 196 acres in these two towns. The justi?cation being
employed by the government of Angola for this exemption is that these parcels of land are currently being
used as the residence of the country?s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. 1 can certainly
appreciate the need for exemption from state and local taxes for member nations of the UN. and their
representatives and the reciprocity that the United States Department of State and its delegates rely on in
carrying out their mission. However, I believe that the exemption of 196 acres under the claim of being a
residence, despite the fact that many of these acres are completely vacant, is a ?agrant misuse of this
exemption.

It is my understanding that entitlement to exemption from these taxes is at the sole discretion of the
Department of State. I would therefore ask that you reexamine the status of this exemption and work with
the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to determine its validity. My constituents in
Somers work hard and pay taxes on their property. They deserve to know that foreign nations and
individuals are not taking advantage of our tax laws and enjoying bene?ts to which they are not entitled.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and stand ready to work with you to resolve this issue. Please
feel free to contact my of?ce with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Sean Patrick Maloney
Member of Congress

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