TAXPAYERS SHOULD BE PRESUMED INNOCENT

The IRS has shifted the burden of proof in tax cases from the taxpayers to the agency. It was a long overdue change for an agency that had let power go to its head. The stories of agents hounding taxpayers were downright frightening.

State legislators are considering similar guidelines for Missouri's Department of Revenue. It's a logical step.

The burden of proof for mistakes or fraud should rest with the state government. Taxpayers and businesses would be presumed innocent unless state tax collectors have proof to the contrary.

What a notion. Innocent until proven guilty. It sounds familiar and workable.

Such a change would better protect taxpayers and businesses from harassment or abuse by fervent tax collectors. It would merely provide a fairer system of checks and balances.

The proposed legislation has even earned endorsement from Revenue Department director Quentin Wilson, who said it would only strengthen current state practices and help the department to become more "customer friendly."

This endorsement should go a long way for this Taxpayers Protection Act of 1999 to earn serious consideration in the upcoming legislative session.