The House Revenue & Taxation Committee has been locked in lengthy debate this morning over a bill proposed by the state Tax Commission to require paid tax preparers to file returns electronically, something the IRS already requires for federal returns. Committee members have been skeptical; the Tax Commission is estimating the state would save $5,000 by no longer having to process paper returns in those cases. In the midst of the discussion, Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, said, “I actually do trust our Tax Commission, because I know enough people on it, and I know where they live.” But she said she’s highly skeptical of the IRS. The committee voted to hold the bill in committee, and ask the Tax Commission to come back with a new version with changes.