Firm's owner faces tax-evasion charges

PROVO — The operator of a Provo hearing-aid company has been charged with tax evasion for allegedly refusing to pay taxes for the past 13 years.

Robert E. Harris, 76, head of Harris Hearing Aids, was charged in 3rd District Court with six felony counts, including tax evasion, a second-degree felony, and failure to file a tax return, a third-degree felony.

The Utah State Tax Commission said it believes Harris made about $5 million between 2003 and 2007 but has not filed a return or paid any income taxes since at least 1996. The commission believes he owes the state approximately $700,000 in taxes, penalties and interest.

Reached at his business Wednesday, Harris said he has done nothing wrong. He said he has not filed a return over those years because of a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service.

Harris said he has not heard from state investigators in more than a year. "They pulled this surprise on me yesterday, and it's totally wrong."

Charlie Roberts, spokesman for the Tax Commission, said it was "unfortunate" the commission had to file charges, but fighting with the IRS is not an excuse for refusing to pay taxes.

"We're all required to file income-tax returns," he said.

— Paul Koepp