Everyone Should File a Return to Enroll Their Kids

I think the following amendment should be attached to any tax reform legislation. When enrolling students each year, the parent must show proof that they have filed a state income tax for the previous year, and that ALL the kids they are registering for school must be on the return. If they have not lived in Utah for 1 year and not filed a return, then they must show proof that they filed either in another state that has income tax, or at least their Federal Income Tax return that shows the names of dependent children. Parents now must prove that their kids have had their immunizations to be enrolled, why shouldn't parents show they at least file their tax returns. I believe that everyone that works legally in Utah should file a tax return regardless of income. Many people who do not owe any taxes receive refunds or work credits. Since the funding mechanism for public education is state income tax, plus property tax, the least any parent should be required is to provide proof they actually filed a tax return. I do not think this is asking too much of anyone... I did some research on this matter today and I really think my proposal has merit. Let me state my case before you just click to the next message OK?
1. I never said any child or children would be restricted from getting an education.
2. This is how the proposal would work. When you file a tax return,(everyone who works in this state must file, it's the law folks) would be in the system as a taxpayer. The Tax Commission would simply include a certificate of compliance with the yearly tax notification. All somebody would have to do is go to the Tax Office and fill out a form to get into the system. If they don't work for a legal company that is withholding income tax, then they should be required to send in quarterly estimated tax. If they just do this much, I would have a lot less heartburn about their kids receiving a subsidized education by other taxpayers.
3. This actually could be attached to the tax reform proposal H3,which will change how we all file our taxes anyway to a small 1/2page form. They would not have to hire anyone to do their taxes, so no additional costs.
4. The parents would simply bring a copy of their Tax Compliance, along with everything else they need to register their kids. So what's the big deal? If you are reading any of this Senator Bramble, how about attaching an amendment that accomplishes this. There would be no fiscal note needed, as this would be handled by computer in the Tax Commission.
5. What’s the worst that can happen? A parent goes down to the Tax Office, fills out a form, gets a certificate and enrolls their kids. Or they say to themselves, maybe some other State would be better to call home.

Mark E. Towner