state income tax law prohibiting renewal of license

[OKNURSE]

This may not be a political issue, but I wanted to discuss a new law in my state that originated by the state's income tax commission. This law prohibits renewal of any occupational license if the licensee is non-compliant in any manner with the tax commission. I have been a nurse in good standing with the nursing board for 35 years. Unbeknownst to me, my husband failed to file with the state income tax xommission for 3 years. As a result of this, the Nursing Board in my state will not renew my license until we are, once again, in compliance

Obviously, he has, since receipt of this notification, filed all of the required forms. My opinion is that, even though this has been voted in as a law, it does not appear to be either ethical or legal. I have read and re-read the Nurse Practice Act and also the reasons that my state board lists as cause for non-renewal of licensure and there is nothing that says anything about income tax non-compliance. I have never done anything to violate the nurse practice act and I have very high moral, ethical, and professional standards that I adhere to.

Another cause for anxiety & concern is, if one owed a large sum of money to the state, it does not make sense to take away their ability to earn a living.

I also cannot comprehend, in view of the critical nursing shortage, why the board of nursing has agreed to be cooperative in this issue. This entire incident has made me want to not even practice nursing in this state, but I love my current position and have almost 30 years of tenure at my facility.

Are there any thoughts or comments on this??

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[Gomer]

I think I would be more concerned why my husband didn't file his taxes and why you didn't know about it. More power to your BON for cooperating.

[Disablednurse]

OKnurse, I agree with you. How do they expect you to pay what you owe if they take away your ability to make income? That makes no sense at all. Some of the laws they pass these days makes it look like they are passed by a bunch of idiots.

[capgirl]

In my state, they take away your driver's license if you don't pay your child support... Its another way to put the pressure on scofflaws.

[Caveman]

OKNURSE,

With the economy in the toilet the way it is, most states are experiencing terrible budget problems. I guess this is your states way of "encouraging" people to pay up.

Do you file taxes jointly with your husband? Many spouses (usually wives) just sign the forms without even looking at them, only to find out years later that Hubby has been committing fraud all along. Wife doesn't even know about it until Hubby disappears with his mistress. Nobody can find Hubby, but since Wife also signed tax returns, the IRS drags HER into court. So...your husband may be the greatest guy in the world, but you should CYA when it comes to tax matters. READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR TAX RETURN BEFORE YOU SIGN IT!!!!