ST. LOUIS – There’s a $22,938.69 question for one Missouri lawmaker after property records reveal he owed thousands of dollars in taxes—or at least he did—up until FOX Files investigators started looking into it.
Before the five-letter word could be brought into conversation, State Rep. Marlon Anderson, D-St. Louis, knew we wanted to talk taxes.
After only a few minutes with Anderson, he said most of his taxes are now paid off.
Property records reveal he owns at least nine properties and originally owed taxes on most of them. The lawmaker owed $22,938.69, some of which dates back to 2019.
- Anderson: “What does that say now, though? No taxes due as of… what day? So, the taxes have been paid—on the 11th. Interesting, huh?”
- McCoy: “That’s yesterday.”
- Anderson: “Yeah, but it’s paid.”
- McCoy: “Did you pay your taxes after you found out we were looking for you?”
That’s become the $22,938.69 question.
The lawmaker represents the 76th District, which includes downtown St. Louis. According to the Missouri Accountability Portal, Anderson received about $38,000 in taxpayer-funded compensation for his elected position last year.
Tabitha Shelton has lived in St. Louis for more than four decades.
“He should pay his taxes because that’s very important to St. Louis,” Shelton said. “Everyone pays their taxes; you know what I’m saying? He should pay his taxes.”
Maria Steeples lives in north County, next to two homes owned by Anderson. She claims she is happy he purchased the vacant homes and put life back into them.
“I’m really glad and grateful he did do it because it can be kind of weird living next to a vacant house or across the street from a vacant house,” Steeples said.
Below are property records that show past-due balances:
- Anderson: “I’ve been in Jefferson City and came back yesterday and I paid my taxes.”
- McCoy: “But sir, that doesn’t stand for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2019 on some of these properties.”
- Anderson: “But they’re paid now, so you have a great day, okay?”
- McCoy: “So, why weren’t you paying your taxes?”
Anderson: “I have a lot going on but they’re paid now, correct? So, when you air this story, make sure you say they are paid, or you’ll be sued for libel and defamation and different things like that.”
City and county records show the State Representative, who serves on the Special Committee for Government Accountability, has now paid up on all these past-due taxes. He has no remaining balance.
The St. Louis County Department of Revenue said they had to list one of the north County properties in the annual tax sale in 2021 and 2022, which happens after three years of unpaid taxes. The sale auction book reveals no one submitted a bid. He has also paid the taxes on that property.
The conversation with the elected official ended as quickly as it started.
“Have a good day. Hey, vote for Marlon Anderson,” Anderson said.
Anderson has not been the only one to fall behind. The City of St. Louis said last month that nearly 12,000 properties have unpaid taxes in 2022, totaling about $9.7 million.
The FOX Files checked on the six other state lawmakers who represent the City of St. Louis. City property records show they paid their taxes. Two other state representatives said they rent property and do not owe taxes.