Hecla Mining Co. v. Idaho State Tax Commission

DONALDSON, Chief Justice.

The facts in this case are not in dispute. Enacted in 1935, the Mine License Tax Act, I.C. § 47-1201 (1984) (hereafter MLTA) imposes a license tax on the privilege of mining in Idaho. In the years at issue, the license tax was 3% of the value of the ore extracted. Certain costs, deductions and expenses are allowed as deductions from the gross receipts for the calendar year. These deductions include, among others, a deduction for federal taxes paid or accrued.

Hecla Mining Company (Hecla) is a Washington corporation which operates primarily in northern Idaho. When…