Much as Karl Rove and 22 senators did a few years back, it seems that some members of Congress living in the District are taking advantage of a homeowners tax break meant only for D.C. residents. Roll Call is reporting (subscription required) that four members of the House of Representatives have been taking advantage of the District’s homestead exemption, which allows residents to deduct $67,500 on the assessed value of their home, resulting in 2009 savings of $573.75. So what’s the big deal? They own homes in D.C., right? Sure, but as members of Congress their primary residence remains in their home state, not in the District. This year’s offenders include Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.), Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.). Rogers is off the hook, though, as the D.C. Office and Tax and Revenue has admitted that he never requested the exemption. Petri, who is listed as one of Congress’ 50 richest members, has tried to weasel out of responsibility for claiming the exemption, stating that his wife does all the bookkeeping and has a D.C. drivers license. The problem? She’s still registered to vote in Wisconsin. Oops. King comes out looking worst of the bunch — not only is he seemingly cheating on his taxes, but he also helped stall the recent D.C. voting rights bill. Tsk tsk.