New tax auditors earning their pay

BOISE – The Idaho State Tax Commission’s tax compliance initiative is well ahead of projected goals, with temporary auditors bringing in $32 million in their first 18 months on the job.

The agency is looking to expand the program by making 48 temporary auditors permanent – and adding more in coming quarters to pursue tax scofflaws.

Tax Commissioner David Langhorst said Thursday that continued expansion hinges on hitting goals every quarter.

That’s a condition Gov. Butch Otter has put on the program.

So far, however, the new auditors are worth their weight in collections.

Last year, auditors brought in $20.5 million, twice their goal.

Through this year’s first six months, they’ve collected $12.2 million, already above the full-year, $11.5 million goal.