By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Democratic congressional candidate Bruce Davis has $118,000 in tax liens filed against him since late 2010, according to documents released Tuesday by the North Carolina Republican Party.

Davis, the Democratic nominee for the 13th Congressional District, faces Republican Ted Budd in the Nov. 8 general election. Both men are business owners. Davis owns a child care center in Hight Point. Budd lives in Davie County and owns a gun shop in Forsyth County.

The N.C. GOP on Tuesday released documents that show eight tax liens — amounting to $118,000 — have been filed against Davis’ business since late 2010. The IRS files tax liens after tax debt isn’t paid.

It’s the second time Davis has faced concerns about tax liens in his recent political history. During his 2010 bid for the N.C. Senate, Davis also faced questions about tax liens against his business. The tax liens at issue during Davis’ 2010 race do not appear to be the same ones released Tuesday.

When asked about the tax liens against his business — Kid Appeal Learning Center — Davis was short in his remarks.

“We have always had an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service and we are current on all of our payments,” Davis said.

He declined to answer further questions. Instead, Davis said he would hold a news conference today to discuss the matter. It will be held in front of the IRS building in Greensboro.

With the document release on Tuesday, N.C. GOP Chairman Robin Hayes said members of Congress are held to a higher standard. Scrutiny of members of Congress extends to their business and personal taxes, Hayes said.

“Our leaders in Washington are charged with making decisions that impact the amount and burden of taxation on each North Carolina family, so it makes sense that their own personal and business dealings should be approached with a heightened degree of scrutiny,” he said.

Hayes also noted that Davis supported the “highest property taxes in the district.” That statement is true. However, Guilford County still has a higher tax rate than any other county in the 13th District, according to the N.C. Department of Revenue. Other counties in the 13th District include Davidson, Davie, most of Iredell and part of Rowan. Compared to other counties, Guilford is, by far, the largest in the 13th District.

“The working families of the 13th District deserve to know why Bruce Davis supports the highest property taxes in the district but refuses to pay his own taxes,” Hayes said. “The people have questions, and with 14 days left of this election cycle, Bruce Davis needs to provide answers.”

When asked about the N.C. GOP’s release, Budd said he’s only focused on his campaign to be the 13th District congressman. He was in Salisbury on Tuesday touring downtown businesses.

“People should understand that I’m not someone who is going to raise taxes and I do pay my taxes,” Budd said. “Voters really have to decide for themselves who and what they want in Washington.”

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.