Rep. Mickey Gates, accused today of six felonies for not filing state income taxes (and accused of not paying state taxes since 2003), introduced legislation in 2017 to limit exposure to people caught with unpaid taxes.

The bill, HB 1796, wasn’t approved. Gates was lead sponsor. It would have reduced from 10 to seven years the time in which the state could do a tax audit and also limit recoveries by the state to seven years, rather than 10.

Advertisement

Gates has been stacking up tax liens for years and, based on the record, not paying enough to retire the amounts owed. The debts expire after 10 years. His bill would have shortened the state’s ability to recover.

The bill died in House committee.

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article ZIN downtown to close; Zin West to stay open Next article Update: House leader says Gates felony charges ‘troubling’. No comment from governor.