Post by WaTcHeR on Sept 22, 2006 10:42:49 GMT -5
09.22.2006 - OGDEN - A Utah man who challenged a judge to give him jail time on income tax violations -- is now behind bars.
H. Douglas Goff, of Ogden, and his wife were recently ordered to file outstanding state income tax returns for various years between 1996 and 2002. If they did not, the judge threatened to send them to jail.
Thursday, the Goffs appeared in court. While Lisa Goff complied with the judge's order and filed her missing returns, her husband did not.
She admitted that she earned $40,000 per year from Bonneville High School and court records indicate the couple earned a minimum of $127,535 during that time.
Apparently, the Goffs argued that "compensation" is not the same thing as "income" under federal and state laws. Therefore, they believed, their income should not be taxed. The Utah Court of Appeals later rejected that claim.
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Goff has chosen to deny the authority of the court by refusing to file tax returns," said Assistant Attorney General Timothy Bodily. "The Utah Attorney General's Office believes incarceration for the defendant was necessary and appropriate."
"The State Tax Commission intends to vigorously pursue those people who willfully ignore the law and fail to pay their fair share of taxes," said Tax Commission Spokesperson Charlie Roberts.
Goff was also ordered to pay costs and fees to the Attorney General's Office.
kutv.com/topstories/local_story_264184705.html