| NEWS | Missouri General Assembly
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 11, 2014
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CONTACT: Rachel Bauer
573-751-4302
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Statement from Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins Regarding
Governor Nixon’s Veto of Legislation to Promote Fairness in Tax Disputes
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins said the governor struck a blow against taxation equality by vetoing a bill that would have ended an unfair bias against many of the state’s employers.
The governor vetoed legislation sponsored by Hoskins, HB 1455, that would have ensured all taxpayers are presumed innocent until proven guilty in regard to tax disputes with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Current law puts the burden of proof on the department for companies with fewer than 500 employees and a net worth less than $7 million, but presumes all other companies are guilty. Hoskins said the bill was an important step toward leveling the playing field for Missouri employers of all sizes.
“I’m a firm believer that all taxpayers should be considered innocent until proven guilty. I wish Governor Nixon believed this as well,” said Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg.
Hoskins added, “The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) already believes all taxpayers are innocent until proven guilty in federal tax disputes. Why does Governor Nixon believe the Missouri Department of Revenue should have more stringent rules on Missouri taxpayers than the IRS?”
The bill passed with a veto proof majority in both the House and Senate. Hoskins said he is hopeful the legislature will act during the September Veto Session to put the bill into effect as law.
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