Jeff Ehlers — Jeff Ehlers was introduced as the sponsor/presenter of House Bill 733, then took the podium to present the bill and explain that it would ease audit burdens for partnerships. He concluded his remarks by noting that additional technical support was available in the audience.
Jeff Ehlers — Waited for before proceeding to the vote on the motion.
Richard Cheatum — Richard Cheatum asked whether the bill works across state lines and how it would apply on an interstate basis. He then followed up with a more specific question about how the legislation would affect a K-1 received from another state, continuing the same line of inquiry about the bill’s interstate impact.
Ken McClure — Ken McClure is introduced and invited to the podium to answer questions about the bill. He explains that the bill would allow Idaho to treat partnerships at the partnership level for income tax purposes and discusses how out-of-state tax liability would work. He then notes that he has also signed up to testify and formally identifies himself as representing the Idaho Society of CPAs as he begins his testimony on the bill.
Mr. Jacobs-Wigert — Identified as the past president of the Idaho Society of CPAs and offered to explain the bill in detail.
Vito Barbieri — Representative Vito Barbieri asked whether limited partners would be affected by the same audit process or treated differently under the pass-through entity rules. The response indicated that every pass-through entity would be encompassed by the proposal, addressing his concern about how limited partners are covered.
Mr. McClure — Mr. McClure was questioned about the bill’s application to pass-through entities and explained that it would cover all such entities, including limited partnerships, partnerships, LLCs, and S corporations. The exchange concluded with thanks for his testimony before the next witness was called.
Jacob Swigart — Jacob Swigart introduced himself as a District 14 resident and partner at a local CPA firm, then testified in support of the bill by explaining that it would affect only a small number of taxpayers. Using a partnership example, he described how partnership income flows to individual returns, how current law can require amended returns to all partners after an audit, and how the bill would streamline that process. He concluded by stating his support for the bill.
David Cannon — Addressed as part of the House Committee audience.
Charlie Shepherd — Charlie Shepherd followed up on the witness’s explanation, asking for clarification in simpler terms and then pressing on whether the partnership could collectively dispute the Tax Commission’s tax assessment or findings on behalf of everyone involved. The witness confirmed that this understanding was correct.
Mr. Swigart — Confirmed that the partnership-level audit and appeals process remains unchanged.
John Shirts — Moved to send House Bill 733 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Jon Weber — Senator Taves is welcomed to the House Revenue and Taxation Committee and introduces himself as Ben Taves, Senator from District 4 in the Coeur d'Alene area, presenting RS 33066. The exchange concludes with thanks to Senator Taves and an invitation for questions.