Save
‘Burying your head in the sand isn’t helpful’: ATO
A woman who failed to lodge 91 tax returns has received a 12-month suspended prison sentence, in what the tax office is calling a “message to the community”.
‘Burying your head in the sand isn’t helpful’: ATO
A woman who failed to lodge 91 tax returns has received a 12-month suspended prison sentence, in what the tax office is calling a “message to the community”.
Geraldton woman Judith Ahearn was handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence this week after failing to lodge income tax returns and Business Activity Statements (BAS) 91 times.
Ms Ahearn’s non-lodgement streak began in October 2008 and continued through the 2009, 2010 and 2011 financial years, with the sentencing coming after “years of warnings”, the Australian Taxation Office said.
The 65-year-old road freight business partner also received court-imposed fines of $20,000 and $30,000 before the sentencing. The two fines have not been paid.
“While we’re disappointed that we have not been able to resolve this matter outside of the court system, we hope that the sentence handed down today sends a message to the community that lodging your tax returns is not optional,” assistant commissioner Peter Vujanic said.
“Our key message to anyone who’s having issues is to work with us to sort things out. Burying your head in the sand isn’t helpful for anyone.”
Mr Vujanic said that business owners who repeatedly shirk their tax obligations are “gaining an unfair advantage”. As such, the court and ATO action comes down to the ATO’s commitment to maintaining a “level playing field”.
“No one is above the law,” the assistant commissioner added.
“Despite our repeated attempts to engage with Ms Ahearn to resolve her outstanding tax returns, she has shown a complete disregard for her basic obligations as a member of the Australian community.”
He said that the decision is a reminder to Australians of the potential penalties that come with “refusing to engage” with the tax office.
Tax saving
How are Australians planning on spending their tax savings?
Essential bills, savings accounts, Christmas gifts and exchange-traded funds appear to be the big winners from the latest round of tax cuts, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
First in the world: SA imposes EV tax
The South Australian government is the first government in the world to introduce an electronic vehicles tax following an announcement by the treasury. ...Read more
Tax saving
5 tips as tax deadline looms
Australians are being warned that they have just two weeks left to get their finances in order if they have not posted a tax return yet. ...Read more
Tax saving
ATO warns businesses of JobKeeper scam
The ATO is warning the community about a JobKeeper scam which is asking members to enter personal information. ...Read more
Tax saving
Why fast-tracking tax cuts won’t stimulate the economy
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has flagged that previously legislated tax cuts could be moved forward in a bid to help stimulate the Australian economy. ...Read more
Tax saving
Last-minute items to check off before 30 June
With the end of the financial year almost here, an accounting firm has outlined key changes with tax returns this year and flagged some last-minute tax strategies to consider before 30 June. ...Read more
Tax saving
Australia’s richest owe the Tax Office $772m
Australia’s elites and private companies fell $772 million in taxes due to miscalculations and deliberate tax avoidance, the Australian Taxation Office has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
Do you have to pay taxes on a trust?
Trusts are usually set up for business, estate planning and investment purposes to separate the legal and beneficial ownership of assets held within the structure. ...Read more
Tax saving
How are Australians planning on spending their tax savings?
Essential bills, savings accounts, Christmas gifts and exchange-traded funds appear to be the big winners from the latest round of tax cuts, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
First in the world: SA imposes EV tax
The South Australian government is the first government in the world to introduce an electronic vehicles tax following an announcement by the treasury. ...Read more
Tax saving
5 tips as tax deadline looms
Australians are being warned that they have just two weeks left to get their finances in order if they have not posted a tax return yet. ...Read more
Tax saving
ATO warns businesses of JobKeeper scam
The ATO is warning the community about a JobKeeper scam which is asking members to enter personal information. ...Read more
Tax saving
Why fast-tracking tax cuts won’t stimulate the economy
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has flagged that previously legislated tax cuts could be moved forward in a bid to help stimulate the Australian economy. ...Read more
Tax saving
Last-minute items to check off before 30 June
With the end of the financial year almost here, an accounting firm has outlined key changes with tax returns this year and flagged some last-minute tax strategies to consider before 30 June. ...Read more
Tax saving
Australia’s richest owe the Tax Office $772m
Australia’s elites and private companies fell $772 million in taxes due to miscalculations and deliberate tax avoidance, the Australian Taxation Office has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
Do you have to pay taxes on a trust?
Trusts are usually set up for business, estate planning and investment purposes to separate the legal and beneficial ownership of assets held within the structure. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
