2004 media releases
Tax evasion leads to 12 month prison sentence
7 December 2004
Tauranga District Court today reinforced Inland Revenue's tough stance on tax evasion, sentencing horticultural contractor Davinder Singh to 12 months imp risonment.
"It's a great outcome for local people. Tax evasion is stealing from the community as it disadvantages legitimate businesses who do meet their tax obligations," says Service Centre Manager Kevin Moody.
Inland Revenue continues to work closely with the agricultural industry to combat tax evasion through its Industry Partnership initiative, providing training, information, and advice.
"We're working alongside the industry, making it easier for people to meet their obligations and working together to tackle deliberate evasion. This levels the playing field for honest operators," Mr Moody adds.
"While the vast majority of New Zealanders meet their obligations in full, we will continue to take a tough approach with the small minority who refuse to comply with the law."
Davinder Singh, who was sentenced on one charge of tax evasion today, had used a false identity to issue $437,351.43 worth of false invoices and evade PAYE and GST payments of an estimated $110,937.10.
Inland Revenue encourages anyone who is concerned their tax affairs may not be in order to contact the department as early as possible, either by phoning 0800 377 771 (business customers) or 0800 227 771 (personal customers), or visiting their local office.
"There are often penalties for unpaid tax, but these are reduced a great deal if people come to us first," says Mr Moody.
Other media releases this year
Corporate Affairs
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Date published: 20 Oct 2004
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