[Vision2020] lawsuit

[ringoshirl]

Visionaries:

About two years ago, Senior auditor Stan Howland,who was retiring from the Idaho Tax Commission, issued a report giving information about special tax breaks given to a select group of taxpayers.

At the time, Senator Brent Hill (R-Rexburg) investigated and reported that no laws were being broken.  In 2009, legislation was passed that put more oversight into the process.  It didn't provide uniform procedures and transparency needed to assure that the system in constitutional, in my opinion.   (I am convinced that legislation is all the legislature would do voluntarily to address the problem.)

After much thought, I decided to join attorney Robert Huntley and Mr. Howland in an effort to address needed reforms.  That is why we have filed the lawsuit.  I will include details that were delivered to the media yesterday after the lawsuit was filed.

Shirley

 

A lawsuit has been filed today by Representative Shirley Ringo in District Court in Boise, on behalf of the people of Idaho against the Idaho Legislature and the Idaho Tax Commission.

 

According to Ringo, "The purpose of the case is to obtain a court decree requiring that the Legislature and the Tax Commission enact appropriate statutes and regulations which will result in curtailing the giving of improper and illegal discount on income tax assessments to certain taxpayers.  The practice has had the effect of lightening the burden of certain taxpayers while other taxpayers are required to pay their fair share as assessed under the law.  

 

Closing the 'tax gap' is an issue of utmost importance to each and every Idaho citizen.  The tax gap measures the difference between taxes owed to the state and taxes collected.  In the 2010 legislative session, the appropriation for the State Tax Commission included more support for auditors and compliance officers to collect unpaid taxes from those with the means to pay.  That isn't the whole story, though.  The program cannot be entirely effective if Tax Commission Chairman Royce Chigbrow does not fairly and consistently enforce the results of tax audits.

 

Idaho's Constitution charges the Legislature and the State Tax Commission with levying and collecting taxes in a 'uniform manner.'  In 1996, the Idaho Legislative Services Office issued an audit report describing serious deficiencies in the system of enforcing collections.  Unfortunately, a subsequent letter from the Attorney General resulted in the dilution of recommended reforms.  Following his retirement in 2008, Senior Tax Auditor Stan Howland reported that policies of the Idaho Tax Commission have unfairly reduced the liability of a select group of Idaho taxpayers.  Legislation passed in 2009 has not provided standards, guidelines, or transparency needed to prevent this practice.

 

This is a matter of grave concern to me, both as a Legislator, a Taxpayer, and a Citizen.  Legislators are responsible for supporting Idaho's laws and Constitution.  Further, the vast majority of taxpayers assume their responsibility to comply with the law.  These citizens support vital programs such as public schools, higher education, and public safety.  The special treatment enjoyed by a few is costing millions in revenue, and the remainder of Idaho's business and citizens bear the burden of supporting Idaho's institutions."

 

Contact:  Representative Shirley Ringo

1021 Herrington Road

Moscow, Idaho 83843

208-883-1005

208-301-2272
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