2008 media releases
Invercargill accountant jailed for tax evasion
11 December 2008
An Invercargill accountant has been jailed for two and a half years on charges of tax evasion.
Warren Dean Haggerty was sentenced today in the Invercargill District Court after last month admitting 54 charges involving $302,000.
The charges included filing false returns, using a document for pecuniary advantage, and money laundering. They related to offences committed between 2003 and 2006.
Inland Revenue Manager Investigations, Assurance, Lynley Sutherland, said Haggerty's sentencing sends a strong message. "Accountants have an extensive understanding of the nature of New Zealand's tax system and those who cheat it should expect serious consequences."
"Professionals working in New Zealand's tax system are expected to act honestly and uphold its integrity" Ms Sutherland said. "Inland Revenue and the Courts take a dim view of those such as Haggerty who betray their professional obligations for personal gain and benefit."
Haggerty had worked for an Invercargill accountancy firm for more than 20 years. Between 2003 and 2006 he filed false income tax returns for himself and his wife. He also changed the amount of tax liability on returns he filed for two client companies, resulting in them making overpayments in provisional tax.
Haggerty arranged for the refunds from Inland Revenue to go to his own personal account.
He also disguised the ownership of the refund cheques, which he used for his own personal spending.
For further information:
Catherine Delore
(04) 890 1743
(029) 890 1743
catherine.delore@ird.govt.nz
Other media releases this year
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- Dairy owner sentenced for hiding half a million
- Tauranga court jails man for tax evasion
- Most Working for Families recipients not charged interest for overpayments
- Former Kaikohe farm manager jailed for tax evasion
- Auckland plasterer jailed for tax evasion
- New callback service rolled out across Call Centre
- Former employee sentenced
- KiwiSaver report released
- Inland Revenue expands e-services
- Do-it-yourself tax refunds
- Employers reminded about new tax rates
- Former Inland Revenue employee pleads guilty to corruption
- Sentencing strong message for contractors
- Accountant jailed for defrauding clients and Inland Revenue
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- Jail for horticultural student
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- Thousands apply for student loan amnesty
- Early Working for Families Tax Credits payments
- Inland Revenue wins People's Choice NetGuide web award for second time
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- Report of investigation of an error in tax revenue numbers
- Tax credits for people made redundant
- R&D tax credit goes live
- Student Loan amnesty - last chance to apply
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- Inland Revenue helps drought-affected farmers
- IRD numbers available at NZ Post and AA
- Inland Revenue warns against divulging personal details
- Second jail term for major tax scam
- Welcome surprise for owners of forgotten money
- End-of-year tax date fast approaching
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Corporate Affairs
Inland Revenue
To make a media query:
Phone 04 890 1698 or email mediaqueries@ird.govt.nz
Please note, the email address is only for enquiries from the news media. It is monitored during normal business hours 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
P O Box 2198
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Date published: 12 Dec 2008
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