Bonner prosecutor’s tax records sought

Bonner County Prosecutor Phil Robinson could soon be sitting on the other side of the courtroom answering allegations from the state that he hasn’t filed eight years’ worth of income tax returns.

Although Robinson has been warned repeatedly in the past, he has not filed state returns from 1997 to 2004, said Ted Spangler, deputy state attorney general. The Idaho Tax Commission filed a petition Monday in district court asking a judge to order Robinson to file all the required paperwork.

It’s not known whether Robinson owes any back taxes.

“In the absence of returns it’s difficult to impossible for the tax commission to determine what, if any, taxes are due,” Spangler said.

Robinson did not return a phone call seeking comment Wednesday.

According to comments published Wednesday in the Coeur d’Alene Press, Robinson said he is working with an accountant to complete the returns, and he was not engaging in any sort of tax protest. Robinson did not explain why he has not filed eight years’ worth of returns but said the matter stems from being elected in 1996 and the dissolution of his private law practice, which was required by state law.

Robinson, a Republican, has a long history as the county prosecutor. He joined the office in 1977 and was elected prosecutor in 1982. He did not seek office in 1992 but ran and won in 1996. He has been serving full time since.

Should the judge grant the state’s wish, Robinson would be given 28 days to complete the forms. Back taxes, interest or fines could be levied, but Spangler said it would be difficult to speculate on any punishment without seeing the actual tax forms.

Criminal charges are also possible under state law, but the tax commission rarely pursues this option, Spangler said.