2009 media releases
Lower Hutt man sentenced for tax evasion
11 November 2009
The Lower Hutt owner of a spray painting business has been sentenced to 10 months home detention and community work of 250 hours for tax evasion of almost $250,000.
Robin Claude Smith, 66, was earlier found guilty in the Wellington District Court of 95 charges of tax evasion.
Between 1999 and 2007, Smith conducted his spray painting business using two sets of books - one under the name Robin Smith Spraypainting, the other using the name R Smith Painting. He used two invoice books and two bank accounts, but only supplied one set of records to his accountant.
Smith deliberately set up the second entity and bookkeeping system with the intent that payments from certain clients would not be declared for tax purposes.
He declared only modest income, or small losses in his tax returns over the eight years reviewed, and used the undeclared income to fund a lifestyle that included overseas travel, purchasing expensive motor vehicles and importing pedigree dogs.
Inland Revenue Investigations Manager, Assurance, Richard Philp, said this was a crime of greed. Smith not only cheated the Government out of the taxes due, he also obtained an unfair competitive advantage over legitimate businesses that pay their taxes.
"There will be consequences for those who deliberately attempt to defraud the tax system. This sentence reflects that."
The total amount Smith was found guilty of evading was $245,578.96. Reparation has been ordered for the full amount of the outstanding tax evaded.
For further information:
Catherine Delore
(04) 890 1698
(029) 890 1698
catherine.delore@ird.govt.nz
Saskia van Rijn
(04) 890 1743
(029) 890 1743
saskia.vanrijn@ird.govt.nz
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Corporate Affairs
Inland Revenue
To make a media query:
Phone 04 890 1698 or email mediaqueries@ird.govt.nz
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P O Box 2198
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Date published: 11 Nov 2009
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