Accused tax scofflaw released

SANDPOINT — A new path is being forged in attempt to compel a former Bonner County man to file a state income tax return.

Mark Francis Perlinger has been held at the Bonner County Jail since Oct. 16 for failing to comply with a series of civil court orders requiring him to file the requisite paperwork. But it became clear during a status conference in the case on Tuesday that incarceration was not fostering a solution to a matter involving immovable objects and unstoppable forces.

“It’s unlikely he’ll ever be in a position to comply due to his beliefs,” 1st District Judge Barbara Buchanan observed during the hearing.

Buchanan ordered Perlinger to be released and imposed a $50-per-day fine for each day the tax return is in arrears.

It also emerged during Tuesday’s hearing that Perlinger does not appear to owe any back taxes because his employer withheld them on his behalf.

Deputy Attorney General Amber Kauffman told the court she sought for ways outside of incarceration to urge compliance with state law, but could only come up with a monetary penalty of $100 per day.

Perlinger, for his part, was unbowed by the proceedings. He objected frequently during the hearing, even to being referred to as “Mr. Perlinger” or as a United States citizen. He argued that his tax exemption was properly filed and the state should pay bid and performance bonds to him for his unlawful incarceration.

“I demand that those bonds be brought forward,” Perlinger said.

“The law doesn’t require a bond in this case,” Buchanan said.

After his release was ordered, Perlinger’s objections continued.

“I object to this whole proceeding,” Perlinger said.

“So noted,” Buchanan replied.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.